Porphyrin Tests
Formal name: [Primary tests] Porphyrins; Delta-aminolevulinic acid; ALA; porphobilinogen; PBG
Related tests: Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP)
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To help diagnose and sometimes to monitor porphyrias
When to Get Tested?
When a patient has symptoms that suggest an acute neurologic/psychiatric porphyria, such as abdominal pain, tingling in hands or feet, and/or confusion or hallucinations, or that suggest a cutaneous porphyria, such as reddening, blistering, or scarring on sun-exposed skin
Sample Required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, a random or 24-hour urine sample, and/or a stool sample
Test Preparation Needed?
None
