Δ-Aminolevulinic Acid, Random Urine

TEST: 007364
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CPT: 82135; 82570
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Synonyms

  • ALA, Delta, Random Urine

Test Includes

Delta ALA normalized to mg/gram Creatinine units

Special Instructions

For 24-hour urine testing, order Δ-Aminolevulinic Acid, 24-Hour Urine [096354].

Expected Turnaround Time

3 - 6 days

Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

Related Documents

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Urine (random), frozen and protected from light

Volume

3 mL

Minimum Volume

1 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)

Container

Plastic urine container with 0.5 mL of 30% acetic acid and amber plastic frozen transport tube and cap (Labcorp No. 78656)

Collection

On collection of random urine, it is advisable not to use first voided morning specimen, late evening specimen after 8 p.m. or specimen obtained following excessive fluid intake. pH must be <7. Transfer the urine into a Labcorp amber plastic frozen transport tube with amber cap (Labcorp No. 78656). Label the container with the patient's name and date. The specimen should be frozen immediately and maintained frozen until tested. (If amber tube and cap are not available, cover a clear plastic transport tube completely from top to bottom with aluminum foil. Identify the specimen with the patient's name directly on the transport tube and the outside of the aluminum foil. Secure with tape.)

To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.

Storage Instructions

Freeze immediately and protect from light. Urine is stable when preserved with 30% glacial acetic acid and frozen for one month or refrigerated for 24 hours.

Causes for Rejection

Specimen exposed to light; specimen not received frozen

Test Details

Use

Diagnose porphyrias: Δ-ALA may be increased in attacks of acute intermittent porphyria; evaluation of certain neurological problems with abdominal pain; diagnosis of lead or mercury poisoning. Urinary Δ-ALA is not a sensitive indicator of lead poisoning in children because it does not increase until blood lead concentration is 40 μg/dL, well above the recommended level. ALA is increased also in tyrosinemia. Porphobilinogen and δ-aminolevulinic acid are the tests of choice for acute intermittent porphyria.

Limitations

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Methodology

Chromatography/spectrophotometry

Reference Interval

0.7–3.6 mg/g Creat.

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
007364 ALA Delta, Random Urine 11215-1 007365 Delta ALA, Random Urine mg/L 11215-1
007364 ALA Delta, Random Urine 11215-1 007366 Creatinine, U mg/dL 2161-8
007364 ALA Delta, Random Urine 11215-1 007367 ALA/Creatinine Ratio mg/g Creat. 56658-8

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