Amino Levulinic Acid, Urine

Diagnostic Use

Diagnosis of acute neurological porphyrias during an acute episode. However, urine porphobilinogen is the preferred test, except for ALA dehydatase deficiency porphyria (plumboporphyria).

Limited value in the diagnosis of lead poisoning as the test is less sensitive than blood lead and may be negative in organic lead poisoning (leaded petrol).

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

PORU

Laboratory Handling

Separating

Urine sample protect from light, to Trace metals fridge

Test Adds

Refrigerated 14 days, frozen (preferred) 70 days

Synonyms

5 Aminolevulinic Acid
ALA
Delta Aminolevulinic Acid
Urine ALA

Turnaround Time

4 weeks

Test Code

4223

Specimen Type

• Urine

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5

No of Samples Required

1

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Urine

Minimum Volume (ml)

5

Transport to Lab

Frozen

Interpretation

Increased levels are found during acute attacks of acute intermittent porphyria, hereditary coproporphyria, porphyria variegata and ALA dehydratase deficiency porphyria.

In inorganic lead poisoning, porphobilinogen synthetase is inhibited, resulting in increased levels of 5-aminolaevulinate. However, the test does not reliably detect lead exposure in the distant past as, with time, lead is sequestered in bone.

Increased levels are found in patients with type 1 tyrosinaemia.

Reference Intervals

<3.8 umol/mmol crn

Test Method

Liquid chromatography mass spec.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$91.35 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

4223

Contact Information

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