Test ID PTP Porphyrins, Total, Plasma
Useful For
Monitoring treatment of patients with porphyria cutanea tarda
Genetics Test Information
Plasma specimens from patients with active porphyria cutanea tarda, congenital erythropoietic porphyria, and erythropoietic protoporphyria may exhibit increased plasma porphyrin levels. However, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made by plasma analysis alone.
Highlights
Plasma porphyrins are most appropriate for monitoring patients being treated for porphyria cutanea tarda.
Analysis of plasma porphyrins is suitable for individuals with bullous dermatosis who are in kidney failure and unable to provide a urine specimen.
Special Instructions
Method Name
PTP: Extraction and Scanning Spectrofluorometry
PFP: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Reporting Name
Porphyrins, Total, PSpecimen Type
PlasmaShipping Instructions
Ship specimen in amber vial to protect from light.
Necessary Information
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.
Supplies: Amber Frosted Tube, 5 mL (T915)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Green top (sodium or lithium heparin)
Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA)
Submission Container/Tube: Amber vial
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge specimen and aliquot plasma into amber vial.
2. Send plasma frozen.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Plasma | Frozen | 14 days | LIGHT PROTECTED |
Reference Values
≤1.0 mcg/dL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Performing Laboratory

CPT Code Information
84311-Porphyrins, total
82542-Porphyrins, fractionation (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
PTP | Porphyrins, Total, P | 2815-9 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
8731 | Porphyrins, Total, P | 2815-9 |
34252 | Reviewed By | 18771-6 |
33869 | Interpretation | 59462-2 |
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.Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
PFP | Porphyrins, Fractionation, P | No | No |
Testing Algorithm
If total porphyrins are above 1.0 mcg/dL, then porphyrin fractionation will be performed at an additional charge.
The following algorithms are available:
Report Available
2 to 4 daysNY State Approved
YesForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798) with the specimen.