Test Database

Total faecal porphyrins (TFP)

Description
TFP is a test offered by the SAAS Porphyria Service in Reference Biochemistry at King's College Hospital. Quantitative measurement of porphyrins is carried out using spectrophotometry.
Clinical details
Porphyrins are precursor in the haem synthesis pathway and TFP can be elevated in patients with the acute porphyrias: hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) and variegate porphyria (VP) and to a lesser extent in patients with CEP, PCT and EPP.
Related condition
Secondary causes of increased TFP may be dietary or increased bacterial degradation of haem in the gut to protoporphyrin and dicarboxylate porphyrins.
Reference range

<50 nmol/g stool

Synonyms
TTP
Testing site
Synnovis : Reference Services : King's College Hospital
Laboratory
Porphyrins and Gastrointestinal
Sample type and volume required
~10 g stool specimen in a plain universal container. Specimens should be protected from light.
Storage and transport
Specimens can be sent by first class post without ice packs. Specimens are stable for several weeks if frozen while awaiting despatch.
Turnaround time
1-2 weeks
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

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