Are there special considerations if a baby is in the NICU or a Premature newborn?
Sick or premature newborns should have a specimen collected on or near the seventh day of age regardless of feeding status or before transfusion. Amino acids, such as PKU results are based upon the assumption the infant has been on protein feed. Total Galactose results are based on the assumption the infant is on a lactose feeding. If the infant is sick or not feeding well and the physician feels a test is not accurate due to the infants feed status, the physician is encouraged to obtain a repeat specimen. If an infant is on soy formula, the provider can request galactose enzyme to be done by marking “Gal Enz” on the collection form.
