Professional
Technical
IVT
phe:tyr ratio
The ratio of phenylalanine to tyrosine levels used to improve specificity in PKU screening.
Full Definition
The phenylalanine to tyrosine ratio is a calculated value that enhances the diagnostic accuracy of phenylketonuria screening. While elevated phenylalanine alone can occur in various conditions, an elevated phe:tyr ratio is more specific for PKU and related disorders. This ratio helps distinguish true positives from benign elevations due to feeding issues or liver immaturity.
Usage
Usage note: The colon notation is preferred over slash notation in laboratory reports.
In Context
- "The phe:tyr ratio was significantly elevated at 8.2, suggesting classical PKU." — Laboratory interpretation
- "Using the phe:tyr ratio reduces false positive rates in newborn screening programs." — Research publication
Also known as
phenylalanine:tyrosine ratio
Don't confuse with
phe level
tyr level