Porphyrins, Fractionated, Plasma
Use
Fractionated porphyrin analysis in plasma is used to assess porphyria types when plasma porphyrin patterns—such as levels of uroporphyrin, heptacarboxyporphyrin, hexacarboxyporphyrin, pentacarboxyporphyrin, coproporphyrin, and protoporphyrin—provide diagnostic clues for disorders of heme synthesis.
Special Instructions
Specimens must be protected from light. Plasma should be frozen. Preferred specimen is EDTA (lavender‑top) tube; acceptable alternative is sodium or lithium heparin (green‑top).
Limitations
Interpretation of porphyrin levels may be influenced by light exposure, improper specimen handling, or delays in processing. Analytical accuracy depends on adequate light protection and freezing of specimen. Clinical interpretation must consider patient medications, liver disease, and other conditions affecting porphyrin metabolism. Specific limitations not explicitly provided by source.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
7-10 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
EDTA (lavender‑top) tube; acceptable: green‑top heparin tube
Collection Instructions
Protect from light
Causes for Rejection
Specimen not protected from light; exposure to light may invalidate results