Test Catalog

Test Id : UPGDW

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Uroporphyrinogen Decarboxylase, Washed Erythrocytes

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Overview

Test Catalog

Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Diagnosis of porphyria cutanea tarda type II and hepatoerythropoietic porphyria

Genetics Test Information
Provides information that may help with selection of the correct genetic test or proper submission of the test request

Uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase is deficient in cases of type II porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). Enzyme analysis is uninformative in sporadic PCT cases.

Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.

The workup of patients with a suspected porphyria is most effective when following a stepwise approach. See Porphyria (Cutaneous) Testing Algorithm or call 800-533-1710 to discuss testing strategies. If guidance is needed for an acute form of porphyria, the Porphyria (Acute) Testing Algorithm is also available.

Method Name
A short description of the method used to perform the test

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)/Incubation of Lysed Erythrocytes

NY State Available
Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.

Yes

Reporting Name
Lists a shorter or abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test

UPG Decarboxylase, RBC

Aliases
Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching

Erythrohepatic Uuroporphyria (EHUP)

Hepatoerythropoietic Porphyria (HEP)

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT)

UROD (Uroporphyrinogen Decarboxylase)

Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.

The workup of patients with a suspected porphyria is most effective when following a stepwise approach. See Porphyria (Cutaneous) Testing Algorithm or call 800-533-1710 to discuss testing strategies. If guidance is needed for an acute form of porphyria, the Porphyria (Acute) Testing Algorithm is also available.

Specimen Type
Describes the specimen type validated for testing

Washed RBC

Ordering Guidance

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) type I (sporadic), the most common form of PCT, exhibits normal erythrocyte enzyme activity. The preferred test for diagnosis is PQNU / Porphyrins, Quantitative, 24 Hour, Urine or PQNRU / Porphyrins, Quantitative, Random, Urine.

Necessary Information

Include a list of medications the patient is currently taking.

Specimen Required
Defines the optimal specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing

Patient Preparation: Patient must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before specimen collection. This is essential as alcohol suppresses enzyme activity for 24 hours after ingestion.

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Green top (sodium heparin)

Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA) or green top (lithium heparin)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: Entire washed erythrocyte suspension

Collection Instructions: Collect and process whole blood specimen as follows:

1. Transfer entire specimen to a 12-mL graduated centrifuge tube.

2. Centrifuge specimen at 4 degrees C for 10 minutes at 2000 rpm.

3. Record volume of packed cells and the total volume of the specimen.

4. Discard supernatant plasma.

5. Wash erythrocytes 2 times by resuspension with 5 mL of cold 0.9% saline, discarding supernatant after each washing.

6. Resuspend packed cells to the original total volume with 0.9% saline. Invert specimen gently to mix.

Special Instructions
Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test

Forms

1. New York Clients-Informed consent is required. Document on the request form or electronic order that a copy is on file. The following documents are available:

-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (T576)

-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing-Spanish (T826)

2. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798) with the specimen.

Specimen Minimum Volume
Defines the amount of sample necessary to provide a clinically relevant result as determined by the testing laboratory. The minimum volume is sufficient for one attempt at testing.

1 mL of washed and resuspended erythrocytes

Reject Due To
Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Specimen Stability Information
Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the performing laboratory, alternate acceptable temperatures are also included

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Washed RBC Frozen (preferred) 14 days
Refrigerated 14 days
Ambient 4 days

Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Diagnosis of porphyria cutanea tarda type II and hepatoerythropoietic porphyria

Genetics Test Information
Provides information that may help with selection of the correct genetic test or proper submission of the test request

Uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase is deficient in cases of type II porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). Enzyme analysis is uninformative in sporadic PCT cases.

Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.

The workup of patients with a suspected porphyria is most effective when following a stepwise approach. See Porphyria (Cutaneous) Testing Algorithm or call 800-533-1710 to discuss testing strategies. If guidance is needed for an acute form of porphyria, the Porphyria (Acute) Testing Algorithm is also available.

Clinical Information
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

The porphyrias are a group of inherited disorders resulting from enzyme defects in the heme biosynthetic pathway. Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common porphyria resulting from inhibition of hepatocyte or erythrocyte uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD; see The Heme Biosynthetic Pathway). PCT is classified into 3 subtypes. The most frequently encountered is type I, a sporadic or acquired form, typically associated with concomitant disease or other precipitating factors. Patients exhibit normal UROD activity in erythrocytes but decreased hepatic activity. This differs from type II PCT in which patients exhibit approximately 50% activity in both erythrocytes and hepatocytes. Type II accounts for about 20% of cases and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with low penetrance. Type III is a rare familial form seen in less than 5% of PCT cases. As in type I, patients with type III PCT have normal UROD activity in erythrocytes with decreased hepatic activity. Type III cases are distinguished from type I by the history of other affected family members.

 

Hepatoerythropoietic porphyria (HEP) is a rare autosomal recessive form of porphyria that typically presents in early childhood. Patients have a severe deficiency of UROD, with activity levels 10% of normal in both hepatocytes and erythrocytes.

 

All forms of PCT and HEP result in accumulation of uroporphyrin and intermediary carboxyl porphyrins in skin, subcutaneous tissues, and the liver. The most prominent clinical characteristics are cutaneous photosensitivity and scarring on sun-exposed surfaces. Patients experience chronic blistering lesions resulting from mild trauma to sun-exposed areas. These fluid-filled vesicles rupture easily, become crusted, and heal slowly. Secondary infections can cause areas of hypo- or hyperpigmentation or sclerodermatous changes and may result in the development of alopecia at sites of repeated skin damage. Liver disease is common in patients with PCT as evidenced by abnormal liver function tests, with 30% to 40% of patients developing cirrhosis. In addition, there is an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Reference Values
Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

> or =1.00 RU (normal)

0.80-0.99 RU (indeterminate)

<0.80 RU (indicative of PCT type II)

RU = Relative Units

Interpretation
Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Abnormal results are reported with a detailed interpretation that may include an overview of the results and their significance, a correlation to available clinical information provided with the specimen, differential diagnosis, recommendations for additional testing when indicated, and available, and a phone number to reach one of the laboratory directors in case the referring physician has additional questions.

Cautions
Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Alcohol ingestion within 24 hours of specimen collection may lead to a false-positive result.

 

Exposure of specimens to significant heat during the summer months may cause a decrease in the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase enzyme activity.

Clinical Reference
Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Tortorelli S, Kloke K, Raymond K. Disorders of porphyrin metabolism. In: Dietzen DJ, Bennett MJ, Wong EDD, eds. Biochemical and Molecular Basis of Pediatric Disease. 4th ed. AACC Press; 2010:307-324

2. Nuttall KL, Klee GG. Analytes of hemoglobin metabolism-porphyrins, iron, and bilirubin. In: Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, eds. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry. 5th ed. WB Saunders Company; 2001:584-607

3. Anderson KE, Sassa S, Bishop DF, Desnick RJ. Disorders of heme biosynthesis: X-Linked sideroblastic anemia and the porphyrias. In: Valle DL, Antonarakis S, Ballabio A, Beaudet AL, Mitchell GA, eds. The Online Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease. McGraw-Hill; 2019. Accessed April 22, 2024. Available at https://ommbid.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?sectionid=225540906&bookid=2709

4. Singal AK. Porphyria cutanea tarda: Recent update. Mol Genet Metab. 2019;128(3):271-281. doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2019.01.004

Method Description
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

This procedure is performed by incubation of lysed red blood cells with delta-aminolevulinic acid as the substrate followed by analysis of the porphyrins formed.(Unpublished Mayo method)

PDF Report
Indicates whether the report includes an additional document with charts, images or other enriched information

No

Day(s) Performed
Outlines the days the test is performed. This field reflects the day that the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means that assays are performed multiple times during the day.

Tuesday

Report Available
The interval of time (receipt of sample at Mayo Clinic Laboratories to results available) taking into account standard setup days and weekends. The first day is the time that it typically takes for a result to be available. The last day is the time it might take, accounting for any necessary repeated testing.

3 to 9 days

Specimen Retention Time
Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

14 days

Performing Laboratory Location
Indicates the location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester

Fees
Several factors determine the fee charged to perform a test. Contact your U.S. or International Regional Manager for information about establishing a fee schedule or to learn more about resources to optimize test selection.

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  • Clients without access to Test Prices can contact Customer Service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Prospective clients should contact their account representative. For assistance, contact Customer Service.

Test Classification
Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR) product.

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information
Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Clinic Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.

CPT codes are provided by the performing laboratory.

82657

LOINC® Information
Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the order and results codes of this test. LOINC values are provided by the performing laboratory.

Test Id Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
UPGDW UPG Decarboxylase, RBC 49596-0
Result Id Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
31892 UPG Decarboxylase, RBC 49596-0
606381 Interpretation 59462-2
606382 Reviewed By 18771-6

Test Setup Resources

Setup Files
Test setup information contains test file definition details to support order and result interfacing between Mayo Clinic Laboratories and your Laboratory Information System.

Excel | Pdf

Sample Reports
Normal and Abnormal sample reports are provided as references for report appearance.

Normal Reports | Abnormal Reports

SI Sample Reports
International System (SI) of Unit reports are provided for a limited number of tests. These reports are intended for international account use and are only available through MayoLINK accounts that have been defined to receive them.

SI Normal Reports | SI Abnormal Reports