ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Porphobilinogen (PBG), Urine : 0080260

Mnemonic: PBGQT

Methodology: Quantitative Ion Exchange Chromatography/Spectrophotometry
Performed: Sun - Sat
Reported: 1-4 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Random or 24-hour urine. Refrigerate 24-hour specimens during collection.

Specimen Preparation: Protect from light. Transfer 8 mL aliquot from a random or well-mixed 24-hour collection to ARUP Amber Transport Tubes. (Min: 3.5 mL) Record total volume and collection time interval on transport tube and test request form.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen.

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
 Porphobilinogen, Urine0.0-8.8 µmol/L
 Porphobilinogen, Urine (24-hour) 0.0-11.0 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: Appropriate test to rule out acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) and other acute attack types of porphyrias associated with neurologic and/or psychiatric symptoms.
CPT Code(s): 84110
Cross References: PBG, Quantitative (Porphobilinogen (PBG), Urine), Porphyria, Acute (Porphobilinogen (PBG), Urine), Watson-Schwartz Test (Porphobilinogen (PBG), Urine)