What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you or your baby have a family history of galactosemia, an inherited condition where the body can't properly process galactose (a sugar found in milk). It's also useful if a newborn screening result came back abnormal and needs follow-up confirmation. Left unmanaged, this condition can cause serious feeding problems, liver issues, and developmental delays in infants, so early answers matter.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the activity of a single enzyme, GALT, which is responsible for breaking down galactose sugar in the body. Checking this one marker matters because low or missing enzyme activity is the main cause of classic galactosemia, a condition that can seriously affect a baby's liver, growth, and development if untreated.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear securely in your account, with each value's normal range explained in plain language so you know exactly what it means. If your GALT enzyme activity is low, next steps typically include starting a galactose-restricted diet and getting confirmatory follow-up testing, so acting quickly is important. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and use the trends feature to track enzyme levels over repeat tests if ongoing monitoring is needed.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Because this test can involve time-sensitive decisions for newborns, results are made available in your account as soon as they're finalized so you can act on them promptly.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for newborns with an abnormal galactose result on routine newborn screening, or for families with a known history of galactosemia who want to check carrier or affected status. Adults planning a family who know galactosemia runs in their relatives may also want this test done ahead of time. It's a good next step whenever there's a reason to confirm how well the body processes galactose.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

In infants, warning signs include poor feeding, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), lethargy, poor weight gain, and signs of infection like fever. These symptoms appearing in the first days or weeks of life, especially after starting milk feeding, can point to a galactose processing problem. If any of these symptoms are severe, seek medical care right away rather than waiting for test results.

How can I naturally support healthy galactose processing?

The main way to manage low GALT enzyme activity is by strictly limiting galactose in the diet, which mainly means avoiding milk, dairy products, and some processed foods that contain lactose. Reading ingredient labels carefully and choosing soy-based or other lactose-free alternatives can help keep galactose intake low. This dietary approach isn't a cure, but it does allow the body to avoid the buildup of harmful byproducts like galactose-1-phosphate.

What is GALT and why does it matter?

GALT stands for galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase, an enzyme that helps your body convert galactose sugar into a usable form of glucose. When this enzyme is missing or doesn't work well, galactose and its byproducts build up in the blood, which can damage the liver and other organs over time. This matters most for newborns, since undetected galactosemia can quickly become life-threatening without dietary treatment.

What does low GALT enzyme activity mean?

Low GALT activity means the body isn't able to properly break down galactose, which is a hallmark of galactosemia. Activity under 5% typically points to classic galactosemia, which needs immediate dietary changes, while activity in the 5-20% range may suggest a milder Duarte-variant form. Either way, low results call for prompt follow-up testing and starting a galactose-restricted diet as advised.

How often should I retest?

For infants diagnosed with galactosemia, gal-1-p levels are often monitored regularly, such as every few months, to check how well the galactose-restricted diet is working. For carriers or those with borderline results, your results will guide whether repeat testing is needed. Using the trends feature in your account can help you and your care team spot patterns over time.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

GALT Blood Test - Galactosemia Enzyme Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]