What is the purpose of this test?
The Porphyrins Urine Profile - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit is designed to measure levels of porphyrins, natural compounds essential for producing heme. Heme is a vital component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. When heme production is disrupted, porphyrin levels in urine can become elevated, signaling potential health concerns. This test evaluates various porphyrins in the heme synthesis pathway, helping identify issues caused by genetic disorders, heavy metal exposure, liver disease, or other underlying conditions.
Elevated porphyrins can indicate porphyrias—a group of rare inherited or acquired disorders—as well as heavy metal poisoning, certain cancers, or liver and kidney diseases. By analyzing porphyrin levels, this test helps healthcare providers uncover the root causes of symptoms like neurological issues, muscle weakness, digestive problems, or seizures. The results enable accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and monitoring of these conditions.
The Porphyrins Urine Profile - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit includes:
This test measures six key analytes, providing a detailed assessment of porphyrin levels and their role in overall health:
- Coproporphyrin I and III (CP): Indicators of mid-stage heme synthesis; abnormal levels may signal liver or kidney dysfunction.
- Heptacarboxy Porphyrins (7-CP): Reflect heme synthesis intermediate levels and can highlight heavy metal toxicity or liver issues.
- Hexacarboxy Porphyrins (6-CP): Associated with disruptions in heme production, often linked to genetic or metabolic conditions.
- Pentacarboxy Porphyrins (5-CP): Help detect enzymatic blockages in the heme synthesis pathway, providing clues about metabolic imbalances.
- Precoproporphyrin (PreCP): A marker for heavy metal exposure that inhibits proper heme enzyme synthesis.
- Uroporphyrins (UP): Indicate early-stage heme synthesis problems, potentially caused by liver disease or porphyrias.
Who should get this test?
The Porphyrins Urine Profile is ideal for individuals who:
- Suspect heavy metal exposure or poisoning.
- Have chronic liver or kidney diseases.
- Experience symptoms like muscle weakness, seizures, or neurological issues.
- Struggle with digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
- Have a family history of porphyrias or related genetic disorders.
- Are being evaluated for certain skin or liver cancers.
- Suffer from unexplained fatigue or metabolic concerns.
Benefits of the Porphyrins Urine Profile - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Detects abnormalities in heme production and identifies underlying causes like heavy metal toxicity or porphyrias.
- Comprehensive Analysis: Measures six key porphyrins for a detailed view of metabolic and enzymatic function.
- Personalized Treatment: Provides insights that allow healthcare providers to create targeted and effective treatment plans.
- Non-Invasive Testing: Requires only a simple urine sample for convenient and pain-free specimen collection.
- Timely Results: Delivers results within 1-2 weeks, enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Preparation:
Collect your urine sample first thing in the morning before eating or drinking. Collect on a Monday-Thursday to ensure timely delivery to the lab. Avoid foods like apples, grapes, and tea for 48 hours before collection. Do not collect if menstruating; wait until the following week. Wait 48 hours after completing antibiotics before collecting your sample. Avoid glutathione, charcoal, and bentonite clay for 3 days before collection. Consult with your physician before discontinuing any medications. Freeze the urine sample for at least 4 hours before shipping. Read all of the instructions carefully.
Test Results:
7-14 business days once received at lab. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
