What is PKU. and when is it normally diagnosed?

"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."

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.

"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."