Test Code GALTZ GALT Gene, Full Gene Analysis, Varies
Useful For
Identifying mutations in individuals who test negative for the common mutations and who have a biochemical diagnosis of galactosemia or galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase activity levels indicative of carrier status
Testing Algorithm
See Galactosemia Testing Algorithm in Special Instructions.
Special Instructions
- Molecular Genetics: Congenital Inherited Diseases Patient Information
- Informed Consent for Genetic Testing
- Galactosemia Testing Algorithm
- Blood Spot Collection Card-Spanish Instructions
- Blood Spot Collection Card-Chinese Instructions
- Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (Spanish)
- Galactosemia-Related Test List
- Blood Spot Collection Instructions
Method Name
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Amplification/DNA Sequencing
Reporting Name
GALT Gene, Full Gene AnalysisSpecimen Type
VariesShipping Instructions
Specimen preferred to arrive within 96 hours of draw.
Specimen Required
Multiple whole blood tests for galactosemia can be performed on 1 specimen. Prioritize order of testing when submitting specimens. See Galactosemia-Related Test List in Special Instructions for a list of tests that can be ordered together.
Patient Preparation: A previous bone marrow transplant from an allogenic donor will interfere with testing. Call 800-533-1710 for instructions for testing patients who have received a bone marrow transplant.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Whole blood
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA) or yellow top (ACD)
Acceptable: Any anticoagulant
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Invert several times to mix blood.
2. Send specimen in original tube.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Specimen Type: Blood spot
Supplies: Card - Blood Spot Collection (Filter Paper) (T493)
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Collection card (Whatman Protein Saver 903 Paper)
Acceptable: Ahlstrom 226 filter paper, or Blood Spot Collection Card
Specimen Volume: 2 to 5 Blood Spots on collection card (Whatman Protein Saver 903 Paper; Ahlstrom 226 filter paper; or Blood Spot Collection Card)
Collection Instructions:
1. An alternative blood collection option for a patient >1 year of age is finger stick.
2. Let blood dry on the filter paper at ambient temperature in a horizontal position for 3 hours.
3. Do not expose specimen to heat or direct sunlight.
4. Do not stack wet specimens.
5. Keep specimen dry
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Additional Information:
1. For collection instructions, see Blood Spot Collection Instructions in Special Instructions.
2. For collection instructions in Spanish, see Blood Spot Collection Card-Spanish Instructions (T777) in Special Instructions.
3. For collection instructions in Chinese, see Blood Spot Collection Card-Chinese Instructions (T800) in Special Instructions.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Blood: 1 mL
Blood Spots: 5 punches-3 mm diameter
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Varies | Ambient (preferred) | ||
Frozen | |||
Refrigerated |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated by Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Clinical Information
Classic galactosemia is an autosomal recessive disorder of galactose metabolism caused by mutations in the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) gene. The complete or near complete deficiency of the GALT enzyme is life threatening. If left untreated, complications include liver failure, sepsis, mental retardation, and death. Galactosemia is treated by a galactose-free diet, which allows for rapid recovery from the acute symptoms and a generally good prognosis. Despite adequate treatment from an early age, children with galactosemia remain at increased risk for developmental delays, speech problems, and abnormalities of motor function. Females with galactosemia are at increased risk for premature ovarian failure. The prevalence of classic galactosemia is approximately 1 in 30,000.
Duarte variant galactosemia (compound heterozygosity for the Duarte variant, N314D, and a classic mutation) is generally associated with higher levels of GALT activity (5%-20%) than classic galactosemia (<5%); however, this may be indistinguishable by newborn screening assays. Typically, individuals with Duarte variant galactosemia have a milder phenotype, but are often treated with a low galactose diet during infancy. The LA variant, consisting of N314D and a second change, L218L, is associated with higher levels of GALT activity than the Duarte variant alone.
Newborn screening, which identifies potentially affected individuals by measuring total galactose (galactose and galactose-1-phosphate) and/or determining the activity of the GALT enzyme, varies from state to state. The diagnosis of galactosemia is established by follow-up quantitative measurement of GALT activity. If enzyme activity levels are indicative of carrier or affected status, molecular testing for common GALT mutations may be performed. If 1 or both disease-causing mutations are not detected by targeted mutation analysis and biochemical testing has confirmed the diagnosis of galactosemia, sequencing of the GALT gene is available to identify private mutation(s).
The GALT gene maps to 9p13. More than 180 mutations have been identified in the GALT gene. Several disease-causing mutations are common in patients with classic galactosemia (G/G genotype). The most frequently observed is the Q188R mutation. This mutation accounts for 60% to 70% of classic galactosemia alleles. The S135L mutation is the most frequently observed mutation in African Americans and accounts for approximately 50% of the mutant alleles in this population. The K285N mutation is common in those of eastern European descent and accounts for 25% to 40% of the alleles in this population. The L195P mutation is observed in 5% to 7% of classic galactosemia. The Duarte variant (N314D) is found in 5% of the general United States population.
The above mutations, plus the LA variant, are included in GCT / Galactosemia Reflex, Blood, which is the preferred test for the diagnosis of galactosemia or for follow-up to positive newborn screening results. These mutations are also included in GAL14 / Galactosemia Gene Analysis (14-Mutation Panel). Full sequencing of the GALT gene can be useful for the identification of mutations when 1 or no mutations are found with these tests in an individual with demonstrated GALT activity deficiency. Full sequencing of the GALT gene identifies over 95% of the sequence variants in the coding region and splice junctions. See Galactosemia Testing Algorithm in Special Instructions for additional information.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Performed weekly, varies
Analytic Time
14 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
81406-GALT (galactose-I-phosphate uridylyltransferase) (eg, galactosemia), full gene sequence
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
GALTZ | GALT Gene, Full Gene Analysis | 76037-1 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
53922 | Result Summary | 50397-9 |
53923 | Result | 82939-0 |
53924 | Interpretation | 69047-9 |
53925 | Additional Information | 48767-8 |
53926 | Specimen | 31208-2 |
53927 | Source | 31208-2 |
53928 | Released By | 18771-6 |
NY State Approved
YesForms
1. New York Clients-Informed consent is required. Document on the request form or electronic order that a copy is on file. The following documents are available in Special Instructions:
-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (T576)
-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing-Spanish (T826)
2. Molecular Genetics: Congenital Inherited Diseases Patient Information (T521) in Special Instructions
3. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Inborn Errors of Metabolism Test Request (T798) with the specimen.