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Maple Syrup Urine Disease Multiple-Analyte Newborn Screening Test, Blood

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A newborn blood test that screens for maple syrup urine disease by measuring several disease-related markers at once.

Quick summary

["This newborn screening test checks for signs of maple syrup urine disease, an inherited condition that can affect the brain and metabolism."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
105355-2
Short code
MSUD multi anl Bld/T
Synonyms
MSUD multi anl Bld/T
Category
urine
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
molgen
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This is a newborn screening test for maple syrup urine disease, also called MSUD. It measures multiple substances in a blood sample that can help identify infants who may have MSUD or another related metabolic condition.

Why might I need this test?

MSUD is an inherited condition in which the body cannot properly break down certain amino acids. Early detection allows treatment to begin quickly, which can help prevent serious health problems.

How is the test performed?

A small blood sample is usually collected from a newborn's heel and placed on a filter-paper card, called a dried blood spot. The laboratory uses specialized newborn-screening methods, such as tandem mass spectrometry, to measure several markers at once.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually needed. The test is routinely performed as part of newborn screening, and the sample is generally collected before the baby leaves the hospital or during an early well-child visit.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

An abnormal result may indicate possible MSUD, another inherited metabolic disorder, or a condition that can temporarily affect test markers. It does not by itself confirm a diagnosis, so follow-up testing and evaluation by a healthcare professional are needed.

Short name

MSUD Newborn Screening

Frequently asked questions

Does an abnormal result mean my baby has MSUD?
No. An abnormal newborn screen suggests the baby may need additional testing; it is not a definitive diagnosis. Confirmatory laboratory testing is usually required.
Is MSUD inherited?
MSUD is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. A child generally must inherit a disease-causing change from each parent, although the parents may not have symptoms themselves.
What happens if MSUD is confirmed?
Treatment should begin promptly and may include a carefully controlled diet, specialized medical formulas, vitamins, and ongoing monitoring by a metabolic specialist. Early treatment can substantially improve outcomes.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy