How to Answer: What is PKU. and when is it normally diagnosed?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Phlebotomist job interview.
7. What is PKU. and when is it normally diagnosed?
How to Answer
PKU is a rare genetic condition that affects metabolism. A person with PKU can't create the enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine, which is found in protein. A PKU test is a routine test performed on all babies in the US. The interviewer wants to know that you understand the importance of this test.
Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021
Entry Level
"PKU is a disease that causes a baby's inability to break down phenylalanine, which is found in protein. It causes problems with metabolism."
Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021
Answer Example
"PKU is one of the tests done as part of a newborn's routine health screening. It helps determine the presence of phenylalanine in the blood, which should be broken down if metabolism is normal."
Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021
Experienced
"Every baby in the United States is tested for PKU as part of newborn screenings. It is a genetic condition that affects a baby's metabolism, namely the ability to break down phenylalanine, a protein. Amino Acids, which are the building blocks of protein, regulate all metabolic processes within the human body. If PKU builds up in the blood, it can cause damage. While there is no cure, there is treatment."
Written by Darby Faubion