Biochemistry

Full details for "5 Aminolaevulinic Acid (ALA)".

Name

5 Aminolaevulinic Acid (ALA)

Alternative name/Profile

Department

Biochemistry

Investigation

Porphyria: see Related Links below for full detail investigation requirements.

Specimen type

Random Urine - protect samples from light and refrigerate

Sample type

Sample container & volume

Universal container - 5mls ( protect sample from light e.g. wrapped in aluminium foil)

Frequency of analysis

Monthly

Turnaround time

Monthly

Availability

Analysis of ALA is no longer available routinely. Urine PBG is the key marker for diagnosing acute porphyria attacks.

Notes

Appropriate clinical details, current medication and previous family history (if known) is required.

If a delay is expected refrigerate sample for up to 24 hours, but if greater delay is expected (over weekend), please freeze and send frozen.

If an Acute Attack is suspected, please send a random urine sample immediately to the Porphyrin laboratory. During 9-5 Monday to Friday please contact the Porphyrin laboratory at (01) 416 2058 to inform staff of sample. Out of hours please contact the Biochemistry Department on-call staff member.

Related links

Porphyrin Request Form

Clinical Interpretation and Relevance of Porphyrin Precursor Results:

http://www.stjames.ie/media/WI-BIO-0277.pdf

https://porphyria.eu/en/content/porphyrias

Reference range