Porphobilinigen Quantitative (Urine)

Testing Laboratory

Canterbury Health Laboratories Christchurch Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

PBGQ

Test Code (Numeric Code)

5892

Synonyms

Porphyrin tests, PBG, Porphobilinogen quantitation, Porphyrias, Porphyrins

Specimen Type

• Urine

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• BD Urine Tube (no additive)

Acceptable

• Specimen Container

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

10

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

5

The preferred sample type is a random urine. Immediately protect from light. Store and transport frozen.

Requests for PBG quantitation are sent to CHL for analysis. A screen for urine PBG (qualitative) will be performed at LabPLUS before the sample is sent away.

In the vast majority of cases, the local qualitative test is sufficient. A positive PBG is in keeping with an acute porphyric attack (though non-porphyric causes can occur). A negative screen rules out active neurovisceral porphyria with a high degree of confidence.

Contact Information