ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), Urine : 0080103

Mnemonic: ALA U

Methodology: Quantitative Ion Exchange Chromatography/Spectrophotometry
Performed: Mon, Wed, Fri
Reported: 1-4 days
Specimen Required: Patient Prep: Refrain from alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to collection.

Collect: 24 hour or random urine. Refrigerate 24-hour specimens during collection.

Specimen Preparation: Protect from light. Transfer a 4 mL aliquot from a well-mixed 24 hour or random collection to an ARUP Amber Transport Tube. (Min: 1.2 mL) Record total volume and collection time interval on transport tube and test request form.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Body fluids other than urine.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 4 days; Frozen: 1 month
Reference Interval:
 
Test Number Components Reference Interval
 Aminolevulinic Acid, Urine0-35 µmol/L
 Aminolevulinic Acid, Urine 0-60 µmol/d
0020473Creatinine, 24-Hour Urine  
 
Age Male Female
3-8 years 140-700 mg/d 140-700 mg/d
9-12 years 300-1300 mg/d 300-1300 mg/d
13-17 years 500-2300 mg/d 400-1600 mg/d
18-50 years 1000-2500 mg/d 700-1600 mg/d
51-80 years 800-2100 mg/d 500-1400 mg/d
81 years and older 600-2000 mg/d 400-1300 mg/d

Note: Increased ALA concentration is associated with exposure to alcohol, lead, and a variety of other agents.  Massive elevation of ALA occurs in the acute porphyrias and hereditary tyrosinemia.

Specimen preservation with acid or base is discouraged and may cause assay interference.  When collecting urine for additional tests that require acid or base preservation, the ALA aliquot should be removed prior to the addition of the acid or base.
CPT Code(s): 82135
Cross References: 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), Urine), ALA (Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), Urine), Delta-ALA (Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), Urine), Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid (Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), Urine), Tyrosinemia (Hereditary) Metabolite (Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), Urine)