Porphobilinogen - Spot Urine(Qualitative Screen)

Porphobilinogen is one of the many types of porphyrins present in our body that help in the formation of haemoglobin. The substance usually exits the body through urine, but sometimes the process fails and leads to its build-up.

This build-up of Porphobilinogen might lead to health issues like Porphyria or Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). It is a metabolic disorder that is caused by the deficiency of an enzyme called porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD). Further, this deficiency can lead build-up of porphyrin precursors in your body, which might be toxic.

Most people do not experience Acute intermittent porphyria symptoms, but certain factors might trigger the health conditions. These triggers might include excessive consumption of alcohol, dietary changes, and specific drugs.

Acute porphyrias cause health complications that might affect your nervous system. There are various Acute intermittent porphyria symptoms that might last for a few days to weeks.

• High blood pressure 
• Breathing problems 
• Pain in the abdomen 
• Diarrhoea 
• Constipation 
• Vomiting and nausea 
• Problems during urination 
• Numbness, weakness and even paralysis in your muscles 
• Irregular heartbeats 
• Mental problems such as hallucination, paranoia, anxiety and confusion 
• Insomnia

As Acute intermittent porphyria symptoms vary from patient to patient, ignoring them can be fatal. So, it is essential to seek medical supervision when you experience these symptoms. Doctors consider the Porphobilinogen - Spot Urine (Qualitative Screen) Test the most suitable test to detect Acute intermittent Porphyria.

This test is an examination of the abnormalities caused due to reactions involving heme synthesis. The complications and reactions might occur in your bone marrow or the hepatic synthesis sites. The doctor will analyze your urine sample in this test to understand the concentration of Porphobilinogen in it.

The Porphobilinogen - Spot Urine (Qualitative Screen) Test will also aid doctors in assessing other diseases associated with Porphyria. Moreover, they will also analyze the reasons behind your abnormal Porphobilinogen levels. A doctor may also conduct the urine Porphobilinogen test procedure to detect the porphyria acute attack types which might be linked to psychiatric or neurologic disorders. They comprehend this by analysing the sample and the respective porphyrin Urias.

If the test detects the presence of aminolevulinic acid and Porphobilinogen in your urine, the chances of acute intermittent Porphyria are high. After examining your Porphobilinogen levels, the doctor will check your Acute intermittent porphyria symptoms. He/She might ask you about the symptoms or issues that you might be experiencing. You should also disclose information about any medications you may be consuming and any recent changes to lifestyle.

Before taking the Porphobilinogen - Spot Urine (Qualitative Screen) Test, ask the doctor about the dietary restrictions for the process. To experience a hassle-free test, opt for it online at Apollo 24|7.