Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Used in the investigation of acute unexplained abdominal pain or neurological symptoms when a urine porphobilinogen is elevated. Also used to investigation bullous skin conditions and photosensitivity which can occur in chronic porphyrias
Specimen container paediatric:
EDTA or lithium heparin whole blood
Specimen container adult:
EDTA or lithium heparin whole blood
Minimum volume paediatric:
5 – 10 mL
Minimum volume adult:
5 – 10 mL
Special requirements:
Sample must be protected from light.
Sample stability:
Store in the fridge if the sample cannot be sent to the lab on the day of collection.
Transport requirements:
Sample sent on dry ice to the referral laboratory
Interpretation:
Interpretation is provided on the report by the referral laboratory
Reference ranges:
Provided on report from referral laboratory
Factors affecting result:
Light causes degradation of porphyrins
Other info:
Please provide full clinical details as referral laboratory will not process samples without this information.