Porphyrins Profile
General Description
Porphyrins are generated as the body builds hemoglobin, the compound that carries oxygen in blood cells. Porphyrin (from the Greek word for purple) is made up of four ring compounds joined together, a structure conducive to holding a metal ion in its center, iron in the heme porphyrin of hemoglobin and magnesium in chlorophyll. Small amounts of several porphyrins appear in urine normally. The relative amounts of each porphyrin are altered by certain hereditary diseases and by environmental or nutritional influences. The classic cases of hereditary porphyria displayed highly colored urine and skin eruptions and neurological symptoms of mania and “madness.”
Doubts About The Use Of Porphyrins Testing For Heavy Metals Assessment
Analyte List
Coproporphyrin I and III (CP), Heptacarboxy (7-CP), Hexacarboxy (6-CP), Pentacarboxy (5-CP), Precoproporphyrin (PreCP), Uroporphyrins (UP)
Turn Around Time
The turn around time for this test is 2-3 weeks, unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
Specimen Requirements
5 mL of urine collected and poured into an amber vial with no additive is the absolute minimum. 10 mL is preferred.
CPT Code
84120*6
Kit Instructions
For urine instructions please click here. |