Porphyrin Fluorescence, Plasma

Diagnostic Use

Clinical suspicion of acute or non-acute porphyria.

May include otherwise unexplained abdominal pain, neurological or psychotic features, skin lesions.

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

PORB

Laboratory Handling

Separating

Plasma or whole blood protected from light to Trace metals fridge

Synonyms

Peptide X
Plasma fluorescence
Porphyrin fluorescence

Turnaround Time

7 days

Test Code

5286

Specimen Type

• Plasma
• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Additional Specimen Information

Protect from light.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Plasma
• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.4

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Protect from light.

Interpretation

Peak at 620 nm – non-specific and not necessarily supportive of porphyria.

Peak at 626 nm – supportive of Variegate Porphyria (VP).
This will be expected in acute VP and may be seen in some (but not all) cases of latent VP.

Peak at 632 nm – supportive of Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) and usually seen with elevated blood porphyrins in the setting of a photosensitive disorder.

The absence of a fluorescence peak does not necessarily exclude porphyria.

Reference Intervals

An absent fluorescence peak is usually expected.

Test Method

Flurometric Scan

Non-Funded Test Cost

$67.73 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

5286

Additional Costing Information

Serum and samples not protected from light are unacceptable.

For adequate screening tests for porphyria we require:

Blood: 2-5 ml heparinised blood (T34)
Urine: 10-15 ml fresh random specimen
Faeces: A stool minimum 10 g (walnut size)
Specimens should be wrapped in foil, placed in a paper bag and not exposed to direct sunlight.
Urgent testing by arrangement

Contact Information

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