Galactose in Urine (Qualitative, 24-Hour Collection)
This test checks for the presence of galactose, a sugar, in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps identify conditions where your body may not properly process galactose, such as galactosemia.
["Detects galactose in urine to diagnose metabolic disorders like galactosemia."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105678-7
- Short code
- S dysgalactiae DNA Spec Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- S dysgalactiae DNA Spec Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like vomiting, poor weight gain, jaundice, or developmental delays in infants, or if you have a family history of galactosemia. It can also be part of a routine metabolic screening for certain groups.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all your urine for a full 24-hour period. Typically, you’ll start by emptying your bladder at the beginning of the day and then collect every urine sample until you do so again the next morning. Store the samples in a refrigerator and bring the total urine to your lab.
What Happens During the Test
The test involves analyzing your urine sample for galactose using a specific chemical reaction. The result is qualitative (positive or negative) rather than a numerical value.
What the Results Mean
A positive result (galactose detected) suggests your body isn’t breaking down galactose properly, which may indicate galactosemia or another metabolic issue. A negative result means no detectable galactose in your urine.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Galactose Urine Test (24h)
Frequently asked questions
Galactose in urine is a key marker for galactosemia, a rare but serious genetic disorder where the body lacks the enzyme needed to metabolize galactose. Early detection can prevent long-term health problems like liver damage, cataracts, or intellectual disabilities.
How long will I need to collect urine for this test?
Can I take medications or eat certain foods before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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