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From Mary Kugler, R.N., for About.com

Phenylketonuria

Sunday March 16, 2008
A drop of blood from a baby's heel is used for the PKU testPhenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disorder. In PKU the body cannot completely break down the protein phenylalanine, so it builds up in the body’s cells and causes nervous system and brain damage. PKU is a treatable disease that can easily be detected by a simple blood test.

Photo © A.D.A.M.

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