Test Overview
Clinical Utility
Quantitation may only be done if a preliminary screen (billed separately) is positive.
Method
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Result Included
Uroporphyrin I; Uroporphyrin III; Heptacarboxylic Acid; Hexacarboxylic Acid; Pentacarboxylic; Coproporphyrin I; Coproporphyrin III; Copro III/Copro I; Interpretation
Specimen
Specimen Type
Urine (24 hr)Volume
Sample Volume
20 mL
Specimen Comment
This collection is not suitable for ALA/PBG testing.
Collection & Handling
Collection Instructions
Collect 24 hour urine with 5 g sodium carbonate. Protect from light – collect in dark bottle. Keep cool during collection.
Handling Information
Final pH should be 7 to 10. Indicate volume (in litres) and collection date. Store and send frozen.
Performance & Interpretation
Turnaround Time
8 days
Results
Name
Units
Reference Range
Conversion
-
Uroporphyrin Inmol/d≤ 44
-
Uroporphyrin III - U (24 hr)nmol/dAdult: ≤20µg/24 hr x 1.20
-
Heptacarboxylic Acidnmol/dAdult: ≤16
-
Hexacarboxylic Acidnmol/dAdult: ≤2
-
Pentacarboxylicnmol/d≤2
-
Coproporphyrin Inmol/dAdult: 5.0 - 90.0µg/24 hr x 1.53
-
Coproporphyrin IIInmol/dAdult: 15 - 242µg/24 hr x 1.53
-
Copro III/Copro IRatioAdult: 2.6 - 5.3
Comment
Porphyrin reference values are not available for individuals 17 y and younger.
Referral Location
Canada
Interface & Setup
HL7 Interface Codes
| Order Code | Result Name | Result Codes | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORPHQ U | Uroporphyrin I 24h/Timed Urine | 66218 | nmol/d |
| Uroporphyrin III 24h Urine | 20263 | nmol/d | |
| Heptacarboxylic Acid Porph 24h Urine | 20264 | nmol/d | |
| Hexacarboxylic Acid Porph 24h Urine | 20265 | nmol/d | |
| Pentacarboxylic Acid Porph 24h Urine | 20266 | nmol/d | |
| Coproporphyrin I 24h Urine | 20267 | nmol/d | |
| Coproporphyrin III 24h Urine | 20268 | nmol/d | |
| Copro III:Copro I 24h | 20269 | Ratio | |
| Interpretation | 20270 |
Test Version
Last Updated
2025-09-03