Plasma porphyrin scan
- Description
- Plasma porphyrin scan is a test used to assess abnormalities in porphyrin metabolism and is particularly useful in the diagnosis and differentiation of the porphyrias. Plasma porphyrin analysis is performed by the SAS porphyria laboratory at Synnovis and measured using using fluorescence spectroscopy.
- Clinical details
Plasma porphyrin scan is a qualitative test that can be used with other porphyrin tests in urine and faeces to confirm a diagnosis of porphyria. When porphyrins are present in the plasma at elevated concentrations, fluorescence emission spectrophotometry will show a peak characteristic of porphyrins. The presence of this peak is indiciative of porphyria. The maximum emission wavelength of the peak, along with urine and faeces results, can help determine the type of porphyria. Non-porphyria increases in plasma porphyrins may also be seen in hepatic dysfunction, with certain toxins or drugs, and other acquired conditions affecting porphyrin metabolism.
- Related condition
- Reference range
N/A as qualitative test, however results will be reported as one of two statements: “Fluorescence emission scan of plasma: NO porphyrin peak detected.” or “Fluorescence emission spectrophotometry of plasma shows a peak characteristic of porphyrin: Excitation maximum = xxx nm; Emission maximum = xxx nm”
- Units
N/A
- Synonyms
Plasma porphyrins, plasma porphyrin scan, plasma emission spectroscopy, plasma emission spectrophotometry
- Testing site
- Synnovis : Reference Services : Blackfriars Hub
- Laboratory
- Porphyrins
- Sample type and volume required
250ul EDTA plasma minimum for plasma scan. For blood porphyrin screen (plasma scan + RBC protoporphyrin) 5 – 10 ml whole blood collected into EDTA (preferable) or lithium heparin. Separate red cells from plasma prior to despatch.
- Storage and transport
Store refrigerated. Separate red cells from plasma and send overnight at room temperature. If delay in despatch, store frozen and send frozen on ice.
- Turnaround time
7-14 days
- Contacts
Porphyrin Laboratory at Blackfriars Hub
Phone: 0208 078 8996
Email: PorphyrinLab@synnovis.co.uk
Porphyrin Laboratory
Floor 1, Synnovis hub
Friars Bridge Court
41-43 Blackfriars Road
London, SE1 8NZ