bluestarman
Well-known member
Who ran this test on you (neuro, GP, other specialist), and what prompted it? This information might be valuable to others like yourselft who are willing to search for that needle. Thanks!
Dave
Dave
Searching for Diagnostic Tests
- Thread starter bluestarman
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StacyDance
Active member
It is short for phenylketonuria. My understanding is that this is the heel stick that they give to newborn babies to check for metabolic and other abnormalities that can be detected early or problems that can be avoided altogether if they find the problem. This test used to check for only a few things and now covers up to 30 types of problems. My Dr. ran an adult version of this test which checked for metabolic markers (these were ok) and amino acid levels (1 was abnormal). This may be nothing, however, they made me repeat the test and if it comes back abnormal I am being referred to an endocrinologist. I'm not sure I really understand it all myself except that amino acids are important for muscle and other functions. I'll keep you posted. This test was ordered by my GP who is an excellent physician and whom I trust implicitly. He is looking for the needle in the haystack so to speak. I will ask him about these tests in the event that anyone on this forum would like to take the test. Maybe with all of the members of this forum we can find some common thread eventually.
StacyDance
StacyDance
StacyDance
Active member
This blood and urine test had to be sent to Mayo Clinic in Rochester so the second set of results will not be back until the end of this week. I'll let you know.
StacyDance
StacyDance
StacyDance
Active member
Please don't pay attention to the meaning of PKU. This test was not to see if I have PKU because that is for newborns. It is simply a series of tests to check different markers so do not get wrapped up in the meaning of PKU. My Dr. wanted Mayo to check for metabolic disorders and my amino acid levels and these tests were "similar" to a PKU test in an infant, that's all! I don't want to create stress here other than to say that we may eventually have one common thread here and what we need is someone to do the digging!!!!!
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StacyDance
)StacyDance