Microassay for estimation of galactose and galactose-1-phosphate in dried blood specimens.

A fluorometric assay for blood galactose and galactose-1-phosphate has been modified and improved to shorten the analysis time and to increase sensitivity above other published methods. The method may be useful as a quantitative screening or routine clinical test to detect infants suspected of having a defect of galactose metabolism. It can also be used to monitor blood galactose or galactose-1-phosphate levels in children with galactosemia who are on a lactose-free diet.