Porphyrins Profile – Urine

Description

Porphyrins Profile

The Porphyrins Profile measures the levels of six porphyrin compounds. Porphyrins are generated as the body builds hemoglobin, the compound that carries oxygen in blood cells.

The relative amounts of each porphyrin are altered by certain hereditary diseases and by environmental or nutritional influences.

Screens for urinary porphyrins that indicate disruptions in the heme synthesis pathway often caused by toxic exposure.

Test Targets

Uroporphyrin, coproporphyrin, and other porphyrin intermediates.

Method / Analytes

Method: LC-MS/MS of urine.

Clinical Use

Identifies heavy metal or chemical toxicity; useful in cases of neurological symptoms or unexplained illness.