Test Name
PORPHYRIA PROFILE
Aliases
PORPHOBILINOGEN; AMINOLEVULINIC ACID; DELTA AMINOLAEVULINIC ACID; 5-AMINOLAEVULINATE.
Abbreviations
PBG, ALA, DELTA ALA, D-ALA, PORPHYRINS
Test Classification
GROUPED TEST
Department
SPECIAL CHEMISTRY
Sub Department
-
TAT Category
ELAPSED (CONTINUOUS) TIME
Estimated TAT
10
TAT Units
DAYS
Test Requirements
10 mL aliquot of 24 hour urine in 6M HCL preservative. Collect 24 hour urine sample and send 10 ml of 24 hour urine In dark container. Protect from light by collecting and aliquoting in dark colored container or container covered in aluminium foil.
Test components: Porphobilinogen, Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), Total Urinary Porphyrins, Urine Porphyrin Fractionation (HPLC)
Test includes porphobilinogen (PBG) and aminolevulinic acid (ALA).
SHIPPING/ TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS
Shipping Temperature: Refrigerated
ANALYTE STABILITY
Room Temperature: 4 DAYS at 20-25°C │ Refrigerated: 7 DAYS at 2-8°C │ Frozen: 1 MONTH at -20°C
Clinical Utility
Evaluation of suspected acute porphyria (when patient is symptomatic/ has neurovisceral symptoms); for suspected lead poisoning, specific testing for lead is preferred.
Last Review
26th Feb 2026