Porphyria Service (SAAS)

Description: The Porphyria Laboratory at Synnovis is one of only two Supra-Regional Assay Service (SAS) laboratories for porphyria in the UK. Formerly based at King’s College Hospital, the laboratory relocated in July 2025 to the Synnovis Hub laboratory in Blackfriars. Following the move, there is currently a temporary and voluntary suspension of our UKAS accreditation. This will be reinstated upon completion of an extension-to-scope assessment. The laboratory is a member of the European Porphyria Initiative (EPI) and actively participates in the WEQAS, RCPA, and IPNET external quality assurance (EQA) schemes. It offers a comprehensive range of biochemical diagnostic tests for both acute and cutaneous forms of porphyria. The laboratory works closely with two UK Porphyria Centres of Expertise :King’s College Hospital (KCH) – one of the two National Acute Porphyria Centres and Guy’s Hospital – which provides a national cutaneous porphyria clinical service. In addition to diagnostic services, the laboratory has a strong research focus, particularly in the clinical and diagnostic aspects of the porphyrias. For more information, please visit:

Clinical details: Intermediates of haem biosynthesis are measured in biological specimens (urine, faeces and blood) for the diagnosis and monitoring of the porphyrias, using techniques such as ion-exchange chromatography, spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectroscopy and HPLC. Assays available: Urine: Quantitative measurement of urinary porphobilinogen (PBG and delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA).Total urine porphyrins HPLC fractionation of individual porphyrins and isomers (reflex test) ++ Faeces Quantitiative total faecal porphyrin HPLC fractionation of individual porphyrins and isomers (reflex test)++ Blood Plasma fluorescence emission scan Quantitative red cell free and zinc protoporphyrin

Sample type and volume required

‘++ Urine
Random or 25 ml aliquot of a 24hr collection
No preservative is necessary but specimens should be protected from light

++ Faeces
A small specimen (approximately 10g)

++ Blood
5-10 ml blood collected into EDTA or heparin. Centrifuge

Storage and transport: Specimens can be stored up to one week at fridge temperature and should be sent overnight at room temperature. If delays in dispatch, freeze specimens and send overnight or frozen. Separate plasma from red cells if freezing.

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