Biochemistry Laboratory, Division of Medical Genetics, Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, P.O. Box 54700, Los Angeles, CA 90054 USA
Abstract:
Semi-micro techniques are presented for the genotyping of galactokinase and galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase. Radioactive assays are used to quantitate the levels of enzyme activity, while agarose gel electrophoresis is used to type the variants of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase. All three methods can be performed on 1 ml whole blood, making the procedures ideal for use in confirmation of galactosemia or galactokinase deficiency in newborn screening programs.