CPT (Certified Phlebotomy Technician) Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The PKU test, or phenylketonuria test, is a screening specifically designed to measure the levels of phenylalanine in the blood. This is particularly important for newborns, as high levels of phenylalanine can lead to serious health problems, including intellectual disabilities and other neurological issues. The test is crucial for early identification and treatment of PKU, a metabolic disorder where the body cannot effectively break down the amino acid phenylalanine due to a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase.

Other options like cholesterol, iron, or glucose levels are not related to the PKU test. While those tests are indeed important for assessing various health conditions, they do not measure phenylalanine levels or serve the specific purpose of identifying PKU in infants. The focus of the PKU test on newborns ensures early intervention, which can help prevent the adverse effects of elevated phenylalanine levels.