Phenylketonuria (PKU) Test

PKU (Phenylketonuria) Screening

How It Is Done

Your baby's heel is cleaned with alcohol and then the heel is poked with a small needle. Several drops of blood are collected inside circles on a special piece of paper. When enough blood has been collected, a small bandage is put on the site.

For a urine test, a drop of special fluid or a special test strip is put on a diaper with fresh urine.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH Ralph Poore	Last Updated: April 14, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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