What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you or your child have had confusing or conflicting galactosemia test results in the past. It helps clarify how well your body processes galactose (a sugar found in milk and dairy) by looking directly at enzyme activity in your red blood cells. It's typically used as a follow-up when earlier enzyme and genetic tests didn't agree with each other.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the actual activity level of a specific enzyme in your red blood cells rather than just looking at your genes. This matters because sometimes genetic testing and enzyme testing don't match up, and looking at enzyme activity directly gives a clearer, more practical picture of how your body actually handles galactose.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a normal enzyme activity range looks like so you can see exactly where you fall. Because this is a specialized follow-up test, next steps usually involve reviewing the report and, if a value is unclear or concerning, seeking medical care to discuss dietary or monitoring needs. You can download the standard lab report from your account at any time. If you retest in the future, you'll be able to track changes over time using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support healthy galactose processing?

While you can't change how your enzymes work through diet alone, you can reduce strain on your system by limiting high-lactose dairy products like milk, soft cheeses, and ice cream if you know you have reduced enzyme activity. Reading food labels for hidden sources of lactose and galactose, such as in processed foods, can also help. Staying consistent with any dietary guidance you've already received is one of the most effective everyday steps you can take.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. Because this is a specialized enzyme test, it takes a bit longer to process than routine bloodwork, so plan accordingly. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are available in your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people who've already had galactosemia screening or genetic testing come back unclear or contradictory. It's often used for infants or children with a family history of galactosemia, or for adults who need a definitive answer about their enzyme activity. If a previous lab result left you with more questions than answers, this test is designed to fill that gap.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Signs like poor feeding, vomiting, jaundice, or failure to thrive in infants can sometimes point toward a galactose-processing issue. In older children or adults, unexplained digestive discomfort after consuming dairy combined with a family history of galactosemia can also be a reason to look into this test. If a newborn screening result came back borderline or unclear, that's another common trigger for needing this more detailed test.

What is galactosemia and why does it matter?

Galactosemia is a condition where the body has trouble breaking down galactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. When galactose builds up instead of being processed normally, it can lead to serious health problems, especially in infants, if not identified and managed early. Understanding your specific enzyme activity level helps clarify how significant the issue is and what dietary steps might be needed.

What does low enzyme activity mean on this test?

Low enzyme activity means your body has a reduced ability to break down galactose efficiently, which can allow it to build up in your blood. Depending on how low the result is, this may call for dietary changes like reducing dairy and lactose intake. If your result is significantly low, it's important to seek medical care promptly, especially for infants, since untreated galactosemia can become serious.

How often should I retest?

This is typically a one-time confirmatory test rather than something you repeat regularly, since it's meant to resolve a specific discrepancy between prior results. Retesting is usually only recommended if you have new symptoms, a new pregnancy in the family, or if a future screening result raises new questions. Your results, once confirmed, generally serve as a lasting reference point.

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.

Galactosemia Enzyme Phenotype Test - GALT Activity Check

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

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