Test Catalog

Test Id : PQNU

Porphyrins, Quantitative, 24 Hour, Urine

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

Preferred screening test for congenital erythropoietic porphyria and porphyria cutanea tarda and during symptomatic periods for acute intermittent porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and variegate porphyria when specimen transport will be longer than 72 hours

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

This test is preferred during symptomatic periods for acute intermittent porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and variegate porphyria when specimen transport will be longer than 72 hours. If the specimen will be received at Mayo Clinic Laboratories within 72 hours of collection, PQNRU / Porphyrins, Quantitative, Random, Urine is recommended.

 

Testing includes porphobilinogen, which is useful in the evaluation of the acute porphyrias.

 

This is the preferred test to begin assessment for congenital erythropoietic porphyria and porphyria cutanea tarda.

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

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

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Fluorometric Detection/Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

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

Porphyrins, QN, U

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

Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP)

Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria (CEP)

Coproporphyrin

Hereditary Coproporphyria (HCP)

PBG (Porphobilinogen)

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT)

Porphyrins, Fractionation, Urine

Uroporphyrin

Variegate Porphyria (VP)

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

Specimen Type
Describes the specimen type validated for testing

Urine

Ordering Guidance

This 24-hour urine test should be ordered when the specimen will not reach Mayo Clinic Laboratories (MCL) within 72 hours. If the specimen will reach MCL within 72 hours, order PQNRU / Porphyrins, Quantitative, Random, Urine.

Shipping Instructions

Ship specimen in amber container to protect from light.

Necessary Information

1. 24-Hour volume (in milliliters) is required.

2. Patient's sex is required.

3. Collection date and time should be documented upon completion of the 24-hour collection.

4. Include a list of medications the patient is currently taking.

ORDER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question ID Description Answers
TM3 Collection Duration
VL1 Urine Volume

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

Patient Preparation: Patient should not consume any alcohol for the 24 hours before, as well as during, specimen collection.

Supplies:

-Urine Container - Amber, 60-mL (T596)

-Sodium Carbonate, 5 gram (T272)

Container/Tube: Amber, 60-mL urine container

Specimen Volume: 20 to 50 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Add 5 g of sodium carbonate as preservative at start of collection. This preservative is intended to achieve a pH above 7. Do not substitute sodium bicarbonate for sodium carbonate.

2. Collect a 24-hour urine specimen.

3. The container should be refrigerated and protected from light as much as possible during collection.

4. Record volume and duration. An aliquot should be frozen when collection is complete.

Additional Information: See Urine Preservatives-Collection and Transportation for 24-Hour Urine Specimens for multiple collections.

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

Forms

Urine Preservative Collection Options

Note: The addition of preservative must occur prior to beginning the collection.

Ambient (no additive)

No

Refrigerate (no additive)

No

Frozen (no additive)

No

50% Acetic Acid

No

Boric Acid

No

Diazolidinyl Urea

No

6M Hydrochloric Acid

No

6M Nitric Acid

No

Sodium Carbonate

Required

Thymol

No

Toluene

No

**Protect specimen from light.

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.

15 mL

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
Urine Frozen 7 days LIGHT PROTECTED

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

Preferred screening test for congenital erythropoietic porphyria and porphyria cutanea tarda and during symptomatic periods for acute intermittent porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and variegate porphyria when specimen transport will be longer than 72 hours

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

This test is preferred during symptomatic periods for acute intermittent porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and variegate porphyria when specimen transport will be longer than 72 hours. If the specimen will be received at Mayo Clinic Laboratories within 72 hours of collection, PQNRU / Porphyrins, Quantitative, Random, Urine is recommended.

 

Testing includes porphobilinogen, which is useful in the evaluation of the acute porphyrias.

 

This is the preferred test to begin assessment for congenital erythropoietic porphyria and porphyria cutanea tarda.

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

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. Depending on the specific enzyme involved, various porphyrins and their precursors accumulate in different specimen types. The patterns of porphyrin accumulation in erythrocytes and plasma and excretion of the heme precursors in urine and feces allow for the detection and differentiation of the porphyrias.

 

The porphyrias are typically classified as erythropoietic or hepatic based upon the primary site of the enzyme defect. In addition, hepatic porphyrias can be further classified as chronic or acute, based on their clinical presentation.

 

The primary acute hepatic porphyrias: acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), hereditary coproporphyria (HCP), and variegate porphyria (VP), are associated with neurovisceral symptoms that typically onset during puberty or later. Common symptoms include severe abdominal pain, peripheral neuropathy, and psychiatric symptoms. Crises may be precipitated by a broad range of medications (including barbiturates and sulfa drugs), alcohol, infection, starvation, heavy metals, and hormonal changes. Photosensitivity is not associated with AIP but may be present in HCP and VP.

 

Cutaneous photosensitivity is associated with the chronic hepatic porphyrias: porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) and the erythropoietic porphyrias; erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), X-linked dominant protoporphyria (XLDPP), and congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP). Although genetic in nature, environmental factors may exacerbate symptoms, significantly impacting the severity and course of disease.

 

CEP is an erythropoietic porphyria caused by uroporphyrinogen III synthase deficiency. Symptoms typically present in early infancy with red-brown staining of diapers, severe cutaneous photosensitivity with fluid-filled bullae and vesicles. Other common symptoms may include thickening of the skin, hypo- and hyperpigmentation, hypertrichosis, cutaneous scarring, and deformities of the fingers, eyelids, lips, nose, and ears. A few milder adult-onset cases have been documented as well as cases that are secondary to myeloid malignancies.

 

PCT is the most common form of porphyria and caused by hepatic inhibition of the enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (UROD). It is most often sporadic (acquired), but in about 20% of cases, a heterozygous variant in UROD increases the susceptibility to disease. 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 and with 30% to 40% of patients developing cirrhosis. In addition, there is an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

 

Hepatoerythropoietic porphyria (HEP) is a rare autosomal recessive form of porphyria caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in UROD. It typically presents in early childhood with both erythropoietic and cutaneous manifestations and is similar to what is seen in CEP.

 

Urinary porphyrin determination is helpful in the diagnosis of most porphyrias including CEP, PCT, AIP, HCP, and VP. In addition, measurement of porphobilinogen (PBG) in urine is important in establishing the diagnosis of the acute neurologic porphyrias (AIP, HCP and VP). Neither urine porphyrins nor PBG is helpful in evaluating patients suspected of having EPP or XLDPP.

 

Of note, porphyrinuria may result from exposure to certain drugs and toxins or other medical conditions (ie, hereditary tyrosinemia type I). Heavy metals, halogenated solvents, various drugs, insecticides, and herbicides can interfere with heme production and cause "intoxication porphyria." Chemically, the intoxication porphyrias are characterized by increased excretion of uroporphyrin and/or coproporphyrin in urine.

 

The workup of patients with a suspected porphyria is most effective when following a stepwise approach. See Porphyria (Acute) Testing Algorithm and Porphyria (Cutaneous) Testing Algorithm or call 800-533-1710 to discuss testing strategies.

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.

Uroporphyrins (Octacarboxyl):

< or =30 nmol/24 h

 

Heptacarboxylporphyrins:

< or =9 nmol/24 h

 

Hexacarboxylporphyrins:

< or =8 nmol/24 h

 

Pentacarboxyporphyrins:

< or =10 nmol/24 h

 

Copropprphyrins (Tetracboxyl)

Males: < or =230 nmol/24 h

Females: < or =168 nmol/24 h

 

Porphobilinogen:

< or =2.2 mcmol/24 h

Interpretation
Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Abnormal results are reported with a detailed interpretation which may include an overview of the results and their significance, a correlation to available clinical information provided with the specimen, differential diagnosis, and recommendations for additional testing when indicated and available.

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

This test is not appropriate for the diagnosis of conjugated or unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia syndromes such as Dubin Johnson syndrome or Rotor syndrome.

 

Urine preservative should be used; 24-hour collections should be preserved by adding 5.0 g of sodium carbonate to a light-resistant collection container prior to beginning collection. Porphobilinogen (PBG) and porphyrins are susceptible to degradation at high temperature, at pH below 5.0, and on exposure to light.

 

Neither erythropoietic protoporphyria nor X-linked dominant protoporphyria are detected utilizing urine porphyrins and PBG measurements.

 

Ethanol and a variety of medications are known to interfere with heme synthesis leading to elevations in urine porphyrins, particularly coproporphyrin. Coproporphyrin elevation without concomitant PBG elevation should not be used as the basis for the diagnosis of porphyria but may warrant follow-up testing with fecal porphyrin analysis.

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 September 6, 2024. Available at https://ommbid.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?sectionid=225540906&bookid=2709

4. Weiss Y, Chen B, Yasuda M, Nazarenko I, Anderson KE, Desnick RJ. Porphyria cutanea tarda and hepatoerythropoietic porphyria: Identification of 19 novel uroporphyrinogen III decarboxylase mutations. Mol Genet Metab. 2019;128(3):363-366. doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2018.11.013

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

An aliquot of urine is acidified and mesoporphyrin is added as an injection marker. Porphyrins in the acidified urine are separated by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the eluted porphyrins are quantified by comparison of their fluorescence intensity to that of known porphyrin standards.(Ford RE, Ou CN, Ellefson RD. Liquid chromatographic analysis for urinary porphyrins. Clin Chem. 1981;27[3]:397-401; de Andrade VL, Mateus ML, Aschner M, Dos Santos AM. Assessment of occupational exposures to multiple metals with urinary porphyrin profiles. J Integr OMICS. 2018;8(1):216. doi:10.5584/jiomics.v8i1.216)

 

Porphobilinogen (PBG) in urine is quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry after addition of stable isotope-labeled PBG internal standard and solid-phase extraction.(Ford RE, Magera MJ, Kloke KM, et al. Quantitative measurement of porphobilinogen in urine by stable-isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Clin Chem. 2001;47[9]:1627-1632; Louleb M, Galvan I, Latrous L, et al. Detection of porphyrins in hair using capillary liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23[11]:6230.

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.

Monday through Friday

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.

2 to 4 days

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

1 week

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.

84110-Porphobilinogen, quantitative

84120-Porphyrins, quantitation and fractionation

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
PQNU Porphyrins, QN, U 43116-3
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.
TM3 Collection Duration 13362-9
VL1 Urine Volume 3167-4
29357 Uroporphyrin, Octa 15096-1
29358 Heptacarboxylporphyrins 25434-2
29359 Hexacarboxylporphyrins 25438-3
29360 Pentacarboxylporphyrins 25494-6
29361 Coproporphyrin, Tetra 15041-7
29362 Porphobilinogen 14882-5
23403 Interpretation 59462-2

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