Home
HelpTest ID ALAD Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase, Whole Blood
Useful For
Preferred confirmation test for the diagnosis of aminolevulinic acid dehydratase deficiency porphyria
This test is not useful for detecting lead intoxication.
Genetics Test Information
Aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity can be inhibited in situations including hereditary tyrosinemia type 1, lead intoxication, and exposure to styrene, trichloroethylene, or bromobenzene. These causes should be ruled out when considering a diagnosis of ALAD deficiency porphyria (ADP). This method will not detect a decreased ALAD enzyme activity due to lead intoxication.
This test will not detect lead intoxication.
Special Instructions
Method Name
Enzymatic End point/Spectrofluorometric
Reporting Name
ALA Dehydratase, WBSpecimen Type
Whole bloodOrdering Guidance
This assay is not useful in assessment of lead intoxication as it reactivates aminolevulinic acid dehydratase that has been inhibited by lead. The preferred test for lead toxicity is PBDV / Lead, Venous, with Demographics, Blood.
Necessary Information
1. Patient’s age is required
2. Include a list of medications the patient is currently taking.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Patient must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before specimen collection. This is essential as ethanol suppresses aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, leading to false-positive results.
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Green top (sodium heparin)
Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA) or green top (lithium heparin)
Specimen Volume: Full tube 4 mL
Collection Instructions: Refrigerate specimen as soon as possible.
Specimen Minimum Volume
3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole blood | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Ambient | 4 days |
Reference Values
Reference ranges have not been established for patients who are younger than 16 years of age.
≥4.0 nmol/L/sec
3.5-3.9 nmol/L/sec (indeterminate)
<3.5 nmol/L/sec (diminished)
Day(s) Performed
Thursday
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
82657
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| ALAD | ALA Dehydratase, WB | 12916-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4021 | ALA Dehydratase | 12916-3 |
| 28399 | Interpretation | 59462-2 |
| 606468 | Reviewed By | 18771-6 |
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.Testing Algorithm
The following algorithms are available:
-Porphyria (Acute) Testing Algorithm
Report Available
2 to 8 daysNY State Approved
YesForms
New York Clients-Informed consent is required. Document on the request form or electronic order that a copy is on file. The following documents are available: