Porphobilinogen (Quantitative) - Urine 24 Hours Test

This test measures the levels of porphobilinogen in your urine over a period of 24 hours. 

This test is mainly done to diagnose and monitor porphyrias, a group of genetic disorders that affect the body’s ability to produce heme. Other reasons for performing this test may include

• Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment for porphyrias.
• Assessing the risk of developing acute attacks in individuals with known porphyria.
• Monitoring the response to therapy in individuals undergoing treatment for porphyria.

Your doctor might recommend this test if you have

• Symptoms suggestive of acute porphyria, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, or neurological symptoms.
• A family history or genetic risk factors for porphyria.
• Abnormal liver function tests indicating a possible liver disorder related to porphyria.
• Unexplained skin blistering or photosensitivity.
• Episodes of recurrent unexplained abdominal pain.

Elevated levels of porphobilinogen may indicate the presence of a porphyria or other conditions affecting heme synthesis. High levels of porphobilinogen may suggest the presence of acute intermittent porphyria. Low levels of porphobilinogen may indicate the presence of other types of porphyria or conditions affecting heme synthesis.

You will be provided with a special container to collect all your urine over a 24-hour period. It is important to keep the sample refrigerated until you bring it to the laboratory for testing.

Many analytes like VMA, 5 HIAA, adrenaline may require drug avoidance as well as bananas, tea , coffee , cold drink avoidance for accurate results and such history to be conveyed to lab.

• Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some can interfere with the test results.
• Please reach out to your healthcare provider for any specific requirements.

Other tests that may be ordered alongside the Porphobilinogen (Quantitative) - Urine 24 Hours test include:

• Urine ALA and PBG Test
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

24-hour urine porphobilinogen test, quantitative urine PBG test

Porphyria refers to a group of rare genetic disorders characterised by abnormalities in heme production. Heme is essential for the synthesis of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells. The accumulation of certain compounds due to enzyme deficiencies leads to a range of neurological, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous symptoms.