Δ-Aminolevulinic Acid, Random Urine

Also known as: ALA, Delta, Random Urine

Clinical Use

Use

Diagnose porphyrias: Δ-ALA may be increased in attacks of acute intermittent porphyria; evaluation of certain neurological problems with abdominal pain; diagnosis of lead or mercury poisoning. Urinary Δ-ALA is not a sensitive indicator of lead poisoning in children because it does not increase until blood lead concentration is 40 μg/dL, well above the recommended level. ALA is increased also in tyrosinemia. Porphobilinogen and δ-aminolevulinic acid are the tests of choice for acute intermittent porphyria.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp and has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. Specimens not collected or handled properly (e.g., exposure to light, not frozen upon receipt) may be subject to rejection, affecting the accuracy. ALA as a marker for lead poisoning in children is limited as its increase in urine only occurs at elevated blood lead levels (>40 μg/dL).

Test Details

Methodology

Other

Biomarkers

Creatinine

Analyte

Creatinine, U

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

Δ-Aminolevulinic Acid

Analyte

Delta ALA, Random Urine

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

ALA/Creatinine Ratio

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

11215-1 - D-ALA Ur-mCnc

Result Codes

11215-1 - D-ALA Ur-mCnc
2161-8 - Creat Ur-mCnc
56658-8 - D-ALA/Creat Ur-Rto

Result Turnaround Time

3-6 days

Specimen

Urine

Volume

3 mL

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Container

Plastic urine container with 0.5 mL of 30% acetic acid and amber plastic frozen transport tube and cap (Labcorp No. 78656)

Collection Instructions

Avoid first morning void or late evening specimens. Ensure pH <7. Transfer urine to amber plastic frozen transport tube, freeze immediately, and protect from light.