Appropriate test to rule out acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) and other acute attack types of porphyrias associated with neurologic and/or psychiatric symptoms. Detect porphyrias and porphyrinurias. Acute intermittent porphyria is characterized by excretion of porphobilinogen and δ-aminolevulinic acid in urine during acute attacks but not during latency. Increased porphobilinogen may be caused also by variegate porphyria or hereditary coproporphyria. Increased urine values are seen in the intoxication porphyrias (heavy metals, halogenated solvents, certain drugs).
On collection of random urine, it is advisable NOT to use first voided morning specimen, late evening specimen after 8 PM, or specimen obtained following excessive fluid intake.
Chromatography/spectrophotometry
0.0 - 2.0 mg/L