Porphobilinogen (PBG) Quantitative 24 Hour Urine Test
Short Name: PBG 24h Urine
Also known as: PBG Test, Porphobilinogen Urine Test, 24 Hour Urine PBG
Porphobilinogen (PBG) Quantitative 24 Hour Urine Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,000. Uses Column Chromatography on 24 hour urine samples. Results in Sample accepted on Tue/Fri by 9 am; report available on the same day.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
To diagnose acute intermittent porphyria and other acute porphyrias by measuring the level of porphobilinogen in a 24-hour urine collection. It helps identify an acute attack and guide further management.
- Test Code
- 3565
- Price
- ₹5,000
- Sample Type
- 24 hour urine
- Result Time
- Sample accepted on Tue/Fri by 9 am; report available on the same day.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Column Chromatography
Sample Collection
Collect urine in a dark coloured container / wrapped completely with black paper or aluminium foil. Record 24-hour volume. No fasting is required.
Method: 24-hour urine collection
Laboratory Analysis
Keep the urine container refrigerated during the entire collection period. Protect the container from light at all times.
Report Delivery
Send the container to the lab as soon as possible, refrigerated or frozen. Record the 24-hour volume on the test request form and the container.
Timeline: Sample accepted on Tue/Fri by 9 am; report available on the same day.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
To diagnose acute intermittent porphyria and other acute porphyrias by measuring the level of porphobilinogen in a 24-hour urine collection. It helps identify an acute attack and guide further management.
How to Prepare
- Discard the first morning urine and note the time.
- Collect all urine for the next 24 hours into the provided dark container.
- Store the container in the refrigerator during collection.
- Complete collection at the same time the next morning.
- Do not expose the container to bright light.
- Ensure the 24-hour urine volume is measured and recorded.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"This test is a first-line screening tool for acute porphyria. Positive results must be followed by confirmatory tests and clinical correlation."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Uncovered vials exposed to light are unacceptable
- Incomplete 24-hour collection without volume record
- Improper container or sample leakage
- Sample not refrigerated or frozen during transport
Understanding Your Results
PBG > 2.0 mg/24h
Elevated PBG suggests acute porphyria (especially acute intermittent porphyria). Clinical correlation and further tests are needed.
PBG within reference range
Acute porphyria is less likely. However, other porphyria types or non-porphyria causes should be explored based on symptoms.
Borderline values
Repeat testing or additional tests including urinary ALA and porphyrins are recommended.
If you have symptoms of porphyria such as unexplained abdominal pain, neuropsychiatric symptoms, or skin blistering, consult a physician for proper evaluation and testing.
Limitations
- ⚠A negative result does not completely exclude all forms of porphyria; additional porphyrin tests may be necessary
- ⚠This test is not specific for each type of porphyria; it primarily supports the diagnosis of acute porphyrias
- ⚠Elevated PBG is also seen in lead poisoning and hereditary tyrosinemia, which should be clinically differentiated
- ⚠Results must be interpreted in light of clinical symptoms and other laboratory findings
Risks & Considerations
- ●This is a non-invasive urine test and has no significant risks.
Interfering Factors
- ●Exposure of the sample to light significantly degrades PBG and can cause false low results
- ●Incomplete collection of 24-hour urine
- ●Inadequate mixing before taking an aliquot
- ●Certain drugs (e.g., barbiturates, sulfonamides, oral contraceptives) may increase PBG excretion
- ●Acute alcohol intake may affect results
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Porphobilinogen (PBG) Quantitative 24 Hour Urine Test | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Porphobilinogen (PBG) Quantitative 24 Hour Urine Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Porphobilinogen (PBG) Quantitative 24 Hour Urine Test?
Why is this test done?
How should I collect the 24-hour urine sample?
Do I need to fast for this test?
What is the cost of the PBG test at DNA Labs India?
What do elevated PBG levels mean?
Can this test diagnose all types of porphyria?
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