Porphyrins urine test

What Is a Porphyrins Urine Test?

A porphyrins urine test is a laboratory analysis used to measure porphyrins, which are compounds that help form heme—the molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

This test is used to help diagnose conditions that affect heme production, such as certain types of anemia, as well as certain types of kidney or liver disorders.

Preparation

Since this test requires a urine sample, it is important to properly prepare in order to get the most accurate results possible.

• You should be properly hydrated before taking the test and follow the lab technician’s instructions for preparing the sample.
• You should also avoid foods and medications that may interfere with the results of the test.

Procedure

This test is relatively simple. The test requires a urine sample, which will be collected and sent to a lab for analysis.

• A lab technician will collect a small sample of your urine and place it into a test tube.
• The technician will then mix the sample with a special reagent that detects porphyrins.
• The reagent will react to the porphyrin in the sample and produce a color change, indicating the presence—and amount—of porphyrins in the urine sample.

Types of Porphyrins Tests

There are two types of porphyrins urine tests commonly used: total porphyrins and fractionated porphyrins.

• A total porphyrins test measures all types of porphyrins found in the urine.
• A fractionated porphyrin test measures individual types of porphyrins, such as coproporphyrins, protoporphyrins, uroporphyrins, and precoproporphyrins.

Why Is a Porphyrins Test Used?

A porphyrins urine test is used to help diagnose certain types of diseases or conditions that may affect heme production in the body. These include some types of anemia, as well as certain kinds of kidney or liver disorders.

This test can also help diagnose rare genetic disorders, such as porphyrias, which cause an excess of porphyrins in the body.

When Is a Porphyrins Test Used?

A porphyrin test is typically ordered when a patient is experiencing symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath.

It may also be ordered if a patient is experiencing pain in the abdomen or chest, has dark-colored urine, or is experiencing convulsions, as these can be symptoms of a rare genetic disorder known as porphyria.

Risks

A porphyrins urine test is a very safe and simple procedure with no significant risks. Minor discomfort may occur when collecting the sample, but this is generally the only risk associated with the procedure.