Ordering Guidance

This test is for assessment for protoporphyria. The preferred test for 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 test for the assessment of occupational exposure to lead is PBPFD / Lead Profile Occupational Exposure, Blood.

The preferred screening test for suspicion of a hepatic porphyria is urine porphyrins. For more information see PQNRU / Porphyrins, Quantitative, Random, Urine. This test should not be ordered with PEE / Porphyrins Evaluation, Whole Blood

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 tube.

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

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: Refrigerate specimen as soon as possible.