Porphyrias are a collection of an unusual inherited blood disease in which a person does not make heme. Heme is a factor in hemoglobin and is made of porphyrin; it also assists in making red blood cells. Porphyria is divided into two categories, hepatic and erythropoietic.
Porphyric attacks may be induced by exposure to a variety of drugs, including barbiturates, chloral hydrate, diazepam, hydantoin, griseofulvin, and others or by hormonal changes, such as during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy. Minor elevations of porphyrins (less than 2 to 3 times normal) may be due to an acute illness, liver disease, ethanol intake, estrogens, iron overload, hemodialysis, and exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, and herbicides.
Sample Report
Preparation:
No special preparation required.
Test Results:
7-10 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
