Ordering Guidance

This is the preferred test for assessment for protoporphyria. The preferred test for assessing lead toxicity in children is blood lead. For more information see PBDV / Lead, Venous, with Demographics, Blood or PBDC / Lead, Capillary, with Demographics, Blood. The preferred screening test for suspicion of a hepatic porphyria is urine porphyrins. For more information see PQNRU / Porphyrins, Quantitative, Random, Urine.

Necessary Information

Include a list of medications the patient is currently taking.

Specimen Required

All porphyrin tests on whole blood can be performed on 1 collection tube.

Patient Preparation: Patient must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before specimen collection.

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Green top (sodium heparin)

Acceptable: Dark blue top (metal free heparin), green top (lithium heparin), lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 4 mL

Collection Instructions: Immediately place specimen on wet ice.