ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

0080103: Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), Urine

Test Mnemonic: ALA U
Methodology: Ion Exchange Chromatography/Spectrophotometry

Performed: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat

Reported: 1-4 days

Specimen Required:  
Collect: 24 hour or random urine. Refrigerate 24-hour samples during collection.

Transport: 5 mL aliquot from a well-mixed 24 hour or random collection at 2-8°C. (Min: 3 mL) Submit specimen in an ARUP Amber Transport Tube. Record 24-hour volume on tube.

Pediatric Collection/Transport: 1.2 mL aliquot from a well-mixed 24 hour or random collection at 2-8°C.  Record 24-hour volume on tube.

Remarks: The most important aspect of specimen preservation is adequate refrigeration during collection, storage, and transport.  Protect from light during collection, storage, and shipment. Record total volume and collection time interval on transport tube and test request form.

Stability: 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
 Creatinine (24-hour)  
 
Male Female
3-8 years: 140-700 mg/d
9-12 years: 300-1300 mg/d
13-17 years: 500-2300 mg/d
18-50 years: 1000-2500 mg/d
51-80 years: 800-2100 mg/d
81 years and older: 600-2000 mg/d 		3-8 years: 140-700 mg/d
9-12 years: 300-1300 mg/d
13-17 years: 400-1600 mg/d
18-50 years: 700-1600 mg/d
51-80 years: 500-1400 mg/d
81 years and older: 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