Porphobilinogen PBG Test, Random Urine

This test measures the porphyrin in the urine to make a diagnosis of porphyria, a group of disorders categorized by enzyme deficiencies in the heme synthesis pathway. Heme is the iron-containing pigment that is found in hemoglobin and other proteins. During the synthesis of heme, by-products called porphyrins are produced. These are normally at a low level and are excreted in the urine. During the heme synthesis pathway, if any of the enzymes are deficient, there is a build-up of some of the by-products like porphobilinogen. Since there is more than one type of porphyria, measuring porphyrins level both in urine and feces is needed to differentiate between the types of disease.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Acute attacks triggered by a variety of drugs or environmental factors
• Abdominal pain, nausea
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Muscle weakness
• Urinary retention
• Blisters, Scarring, Hyperpigmentation
• Redness, Itching, Burning
• Swelling