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Test Code LAB1882 Aminolevulinic Acid, Urine

Additional Codes

ALAUR

Useful For

Assisting in the differential diagnosis of the acute hepatic porphyrias

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Urine


Ordering Guidance


The preferred test for lead toxicity in children is blood lead; order either PBDV / Lead, Venous, with Demographics, Blood or PBDC / Lead, Capillary, with Demographics, Blood.



Necessary Information


Patient's age is required.



Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: Patient should not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before specimen collection.

Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)

Collection Container/Tube: Clean, plastic urine collection container

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Collection Instructions: Collect a random urine specimen.


Specimen Minimum Volume

1 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Urine Refrigerated (preferred) 28 days
  Frozen  45 days

Reference Values

<1 year: ≤10 nmol/mL

1-17 years: ≤20 nmol/mL

≥18 years: ≤15 nmol/mL

Day(s) Performed

Tuesday, Thursday

CPT Code Information

82135

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
ALAUR Aminolevulinic Acid, U 34284-0

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
61547 Aminolevulinic Acid, U 34284-0
34347 Interpretation (ALA), U 59462-2
34348 Reviewed By 18771-6

Interpretation

Abnormal results are reported with a detailed interpretation that may include an overview of the results and their significance, a correlation to available clinical information provided with the specimen, differential diagnosis, recommendations for additional testing when indicated and available, and a phone number to reach one of the laboratory directors in case the referring physician has additional questions.

Method Description

Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) stable isotope dilution analysis. The urine is mixed with an internal standard ([13]C5, [15]N ALA-IS) and filtered using a 0.2 mcM nylon filter vial. The ratios of the extracted peak areas of ALA to ALA-IS determined by LC-MS/MS are used to calculate the concentration of ALA present in the sample.(Lacey, JM, Magera MJ, Tortorelli S: Delta aminolevulinic acid quantitation in urine by LC-MS/MS. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2011;22, S1:pp 69)

Report Available

3 to 7 days

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Reject Due To

  All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Method Name

Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)