Porphobilinogen, Quantitative, 24-Hour Urine

Test Code
726


CPT Codes
84110

Includes
CPT code 81050 may be added at an additional charge for volume measurement


Preferred Specimen
2 mL 24-hour urine containing sodium carbonate collected in a plastic leak-proof container


Minimum Volume
1 mL


Instructions
24-hour urine, collection should be adjusted to a pH of 6-7 with 5 g sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). Add the sodium carbonate at the start of the collection. The urine should be refrigerated and protected from light during collection.

Whenever possible, the specimen should be collected during an acute episode because porphobilinogen (PBG) may decrease rapidly upon remission. PBG may also degrade when samples are exposed to UV light for extended periods, or are transported at ambient temperature. If an amber collection jug/urine cup is not available, the sample must be protected from light by completely wrapping the container in aluminum foil. Twenty-four hour specimens should be refrigerated and protected from UV light during collection. PBG is most stable at pH 6-7, but samples may be sent with or without preservative. All results should be interpreted in the context of clinical findings, relevant history, and other laboratory data.


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Not protected from light • Received room temperature


Methodology
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule
P.M. Sets up 5 days a week.


Report Available
Reports in 2 days.


Clinical Significance
Urinary Porphobilinogen is the first step in the diagnosis of acute porphyrias such as acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). AIP is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by deficiency of porphobilinogen deaminase. An acute attack usually includes gatrointestinal disturbance and neuropsychiatric disorders.




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.