Porphyrins Total Quantitative 24-Hour Urine Test
Short Name: Porphyrins Total Urine
Also known as: Total Porphyrins, 24-Hour Urine, Urine Total Porphyrins
Porphyrins Total Quantitative 24-Hour Urine Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹6,500. Uses Column Chromatography on 24-Hour Urine samples. Results in Reports are typically available the same day if the sample is submitted by 1 PM.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
This assay measures total porphyrins in a 24-hour urine sample and is used in the differential diagnosis of porphyrias. It is a preferred test during symptomatic periods for acute intermittent porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and variegate porphyria. The result helps clinicians confirm the diagnosis, assess severity, and monitor treatment response.
- Test Code
- 3569
- Price
- ₹6,500
- Sample Type
- 24-Hour Urine
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available the same day if the sample is submitted by 1 PM.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Column Chromatography
Sample Collection
Avoid exposure of the collection container to light. Do not use preservatives. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Method: 24-Hour urine collection in light-protected container
Laboratory Analysis
Collect all urine passed over a 24-hour period into the provided dark container. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool, dark place throughout the collection. Record the total volume and time of collection.
Report Delivery
Refrigerate or freeze the sample immediately and transport it to the laboratory as instructed. Avoid exposure to light.
Timeline: Reports are typically available the same day if the sample is submitted by 1 PM.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
This assay measures total porphyrins in a 24-hour urine sample and is used in the differential diagnosis of porphyrias. It is a preferred test during symptomatic periods for acute intermittent porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, and variegate porphyria. The result helps clinicians confirm the diagnosis, assess severity, and monitor treatment response.
How to Prepare
- Use the light-protected container provided by the lab.
- Start collection in the morning after first void; discard the first urine and collect all subsequent urine for the next 24 hours, including the final morning void.
- Do not use preservatives.
- Record the total 24-hour volume on the form and container.
- Keep the container refrigerated during collection.
- Ship refrigerated or frozen to the laboratory.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Urinary porphyrin testing is most informative during or shortly after symptoms. Normal results do not exclude porphyria if the sample was collected during a symptom-free interval."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Uncovered vials exposed to light are unacceptable.
- Sample without recorded total volume.
- Presence of preservatives.
- Incomplete collection (e.g., less than 5 mL aliquot).
Understanding Your Results
May indicate hepatic porphyria (e.g., acute intermittent porphyria, variegate porphyria) or erythropoietic porphyria. Further fractionation and clinical correlation are required.
Less likely to be a symptomatic porphyria episode. Consider retesting during symptoms or perform additional tests (PBG, ALA, plasma porphyrins).
If you experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, redness or blistering of skin after sun exposure, or changes in urine color, consult a physician immediately. Abnormal test results should also be discussed with your doctor for further evaluation.
Limitations
- ⚠Total porphyrin measurement cannot differentiate among specific porphyrias; fractionation or genetic testing may be required.
- ⚠Results may be normal between attacks, particularly in latent acute intermittent porphyria.
- ⚠False positives may occur in liver disease, lead poisoning, or alcohol use disorder.
Risks & Considerations
- ●No significant risks are associated with this test. It is a non-invasive urine collection procedure.
Interfering Factors
- ●Exposure of sample to light causing photodegradation of porphyrins
- ●Incomplete 24-hour urine collection
- ●Alcohol consumption or certain medications (e.g., barbiturates, sulfonamides) that can induce porphyrin production
- ●Collection during a latent phase of porphyria (may yield normal results)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Porphyrins Total 24-Hour Urine Test?
Why has my doctor advised this test?
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Do I need to fast before the test?
How long does it take to get the report?
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Can I take my regular medicines before the test?
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