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Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) Dehydratase, Blood

Test ID: ALAD

Test

Aliases/Synonyms

Porphobilinogen Synthase; ALAD Deficiency Porphyria; Doss Porphyria; PBG Synthase

Method

Enzymatic End point/Spectrofluorometric

Report Includes

ALA Dehydratase; Interpretation

Specimens

Whole Blood (Na Heparin); Whole blood (Li Heparin); Whole blood (EDTA)

Clinical Utility

This assay is not useful in evaluating lead intoxication as it re-activates ALAD that may have been inhibited by lead.

Test Location

Mayo Clinical Labs, Minnesota USA

Test Version

30-Sep-2019

Specimen

Specimens

Whole Blood (Na Heparin); Whole blood (Li Heparin); Whole blood (EDTA)

Collection Containers

Preferred

Green top (sodium heparin)

Acceptable

Lavender top (EDTA); Green top (lithium heparin)

Patient Preparation

Patient should abstain from alcohol 24 hours prior to collection.

Collection & Handling

Collection Instructions

Avoid hemolysis

Handling Information

Refrigerate immediately. Submit full tube. Do not freeze. Due to limited stability, sample must be received at ICL from Mon – Wed within 3 days of collection.

Additional Information

Provide a list of current medications.

Stability

Refrigerated 4 days

Rejection Criteria

Hemolysis Visible
Other Ambient or frozen

Test Version

30-Sep-2019

Performance / Interpretation

Method

Enzymatic End point/Spectrofluorometric

Turnaround Time

7 days

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Results

Name Units Reference Range Conversion Factor
Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) Dehydratase nmol/L/sec
  • ≥4.0
  • Indeterminate 3.5 - 3.9
  • Diminished <3.5
  • This assay is not useful in evaluating lead intoxication as it re-activates ALAD that may have been inhibited by lead.
Interpretation Abstinence from alcohol is essential for at least 24 hours prior to specimen collection as ethanol suppresses ALAD activity. False-positive values may result from enzyme degradation due to improper specimen handling. It is essential to adhere to collection and handling instructions.

Test Location

Mayo Clinical Labs, Minnesota USA

Test Version

30-Sep-2019

Interface / Setup

Test Version

30-Sep-2019