for Mary -- timing of PKU

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PKU test, can't a sample of cord blood be used right after delivery?>>

In order for a PKU test to be valid (ie...test for the disease we're looking for), the baby must have had some breastmilk or formula feeding (Glucose or plain water isn't enough) get into it's gut (stomach, intestines) in order to activate the enzyme that is missing in PKU. The test usually should be at LEAST 12-24 hours AFTER birth, and is actually much more accurate after 72 hours. Timing, of course should be based on FIRST FEEDING, so if baby is being kept from feedings (ie in the NICU) then the test should be delayed.

Obviously, cord blood won't show what's happening to the baby's gut after it's been fed and 72 hours have passed. I don't think even the most STAUNCH non- interventionalist birthers would advocate delaying cutting the cord THAT long! <wink>

Wendy RNC Perinatal RN (Labor&Delivery/OB Surgical, HiRisk OB, Mother/Baby) south San Francisco Bay area, California

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