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.

For suspected hepatic porphyria, the preferred screening test 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

Patient Preparation: For 24 hours before specimen collection, patient must not consume any alcohol.

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Green top (sodium heparin)

Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA), dark blue top (metal free heparin), royal blue top (metal free EDTA), green top (lithium heparin)

Specimen Volume: 4 mL

Collection Instructions: Immediately place specimen on wet ice.