Porphyrins, Total, Plasma
Use
The test for Porphyrins, Total, Plasma is primarily used for monitoring treatment in patients with porphyria cutanea tarda. Plasma specimens from patients with active porphyria cutanea tarda, congenital erythropoietic porphyria, and erythropoietic protoporphyria may exhibit increased plasma porphyrin levels. However, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made by plasma analysis alone. The porphyrias are a group of inherited disorders resulting from enzyme defects in the heme biosynthetic pathway, leading to the accumulation of porphyrins and their precursors in different specimen types.
Special Instructions
Patients must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before specimen collection. Ship specimens in amber vials to protect from light. Complete a Biochemical Genetics Test Request form if not ordering electronically.
Limitations
While plasma porphyrins are useful for monitoring patients with porphyria cutanea tarda, they may degrade to normal levels if not handled properly due to their sensitivity to light. The analysis in plasma is not recommended for diagnosis, as increased plasma porphyrin concentrations are observed during acute episodes or in particular conditions like chronic kidney failure.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2815-9
- 2815-9
- 18771-6
- 59462-2
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Amber vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge specimen and aliquot plasma into an amber vial.
Patient Preparation
Patient must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before specimen collection.
Storage Instructions
Ship specimen in amber vial to protect from light.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus are acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |