Porphobilinogen (PBG), Quantitative, Random Urine

Also known as: PBG Random Urine, Quantitative

Clinical Use

Use

Appropriate test to rule out acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) and other acute attack types of porphyrias associated with neurologic and/or psychiatric symptoms. Detect porphyrias and porphyrinurias. Acute intermittent porphyria is characterized by excretion of porphobilinogen and delta aminolevulinic acid in urine during acute attacks, but not during latency. Increased urine values are seen in the intoxication porphyrias (heavy metals, halogenated solvents, certain drugs).

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which may limit its application in certain regulatory environments.

Test Details

Methodology

Other

Biomarkers

Creatinine

Analyte

Creatinine

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

PBG/Creatinine Ratio

Analyte

PBG/Creatinine Ratio

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

Porphobilinogen

Analyte

Porphobilinogen

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

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

24446-7 - PBG Ur-mCnc

Result Codes

24446-7 - PBG Ur-mCnc
2161-8 - Creat Ur-mCnc
13797-6 - PBG/Creat Ur

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% glacial acetic acid (optional preservative) and amber plastic frozen transport tube and cap (Labcorp No. 78656).

Collection Instructions

On collection of random urine, it is advisable not to use first voided morning specimen, late evening specimen after 8 PM, or specimen obtained following excessive fluid intake. Transfer the urine into a Labcorp amber plastic frozen transport tube with amber cap (Labcorp No. 78656). If ordered with Δ-ALA, pH must be <6. Label the container with the patient's name and date. The specimen should be frozen immediately and maintained frozen until tested. If amber tube and cap are not available, cover a clear plastic transport tube completely from top to bottom with aluminum foil. Identify the specimen with the patient's name directly on the transport tube and the outside of the aluminum foil. Secure with tape.

Storage Instructions

Freeze immediately and protect from light. Urine is stable when preserved with 30% glacial acetic acid and frozen for one month or refrigerated for 24 hours.