Ordering RecommendationRecommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
Monitor porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). Confirm diagnosis of suspected variegate porphyria (VP) and erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).
MnemonicUnique test identifier.
POR S
MethodologyProcess(es) used to perform the test.
Quantitative Fluorometry
PerformedDays of the week the test is performed.
Sun, Tue, Thu
ReportedExpected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
1-4 days
New York DOH Approval StatusIndicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York DOH approved.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Collect
Green (heparin), lavender (EDTA), or plain red
Specimen Preparation
CRITICAL: Protect from light during collection, storage, and shipment. Separate plasma or serum from cells within 1 hour of collection. Transfer 2 mL plasma or serum to an ARUP Amber Transport Tube. (Min: 1 mL)
Storage/Transport Temperature
Frozen.
Unacceptable Conditions
Body fluids other than plasma or serum. Frozen whole blood. Hemolyzed specimens.
Remarks
Stability
After separation from cells: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 4 days; Frozen: 1 month
Reference IntervalNormal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
0-15 nmol/L
Interpretive DataBackground information for test. May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, details of testing, associated diseases, explanation of possible patient results.
Compliance Category
Standard
NoteAdditional information related to the test.
Useful for evaluation of cutaneous photosensitivity to rule out porphyrin disorders, particularly erythropoietic protoporphyria. Urine is the best specimen for evaluation of suspected porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), but monitoring of PCT with plasma or serum is an acceptable practice. Evaluation of neurologic and/or psychiatric symptoms associated with suspected acute porphyria (such as acute intermittent porphyria) requires Porphobilinogen (PBG), Urine (ARUP test code 0080260).
Specimens from patients with suspected erythropoietic protoporphyria should be carefully protected from exposure to light. Protoporphyrin is extremely light sensitive, whereas uroporphyrin and coproporphyrin are much less sensitive.
Hotline History
N/A
CPT CodesThe American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
AliasesOther names that describe the test. Synonyms.