Porphobilinogen (PBG) 24-Hour Urine Test at Sanovra Lab

PORPHOBILINOGEN (PBG) – 24 HRS URINE – HM043

💜 Acute Porphyria Diagnosis

₹3999 ₹4250

Gold Standard Test for Porphyria Attacks

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⚠️ Light Sensitive Sample:
Porphobilinogen degrades rapidly in light. During the 24-hour collection, the urine container must be kept in a dark place or wrapped in black paper/aluminum foil. Exposure to sunlight will ruin the test.

📋 Test Details

• Report Time: 3rd Working Day.
• Sample Type: 24-Hour Urine (Preservative may be required - ask lab).
• Test Code: HM043

What is Porphobilinogen (PBG)?

Porphobilinogen (PBG) is a chemical precursor needed to make Heme (the red part of your blood). Normally, your body converts PBG into Heme smoothly. However, in people with a genetic condition called Acute Porphyria, this process is blocked.

When the process is blocked, PBG accumulates in the body and is excreted in the urine. High levels of PBG are toxic to nerves and cause severe symptoms.

Why is this Test Prescribed?

Doctors order this test when they suspect an attack of Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP). Symptoms usually come in sudden attacks and include:

• Severe Abdominal Pain: Often unexplained by other tests like Ultrasound or CT.
• Neurological Issues: Seizures, confusion, hallucinations, or muscle weakness.
• Purple/Red Urine: Urine may turn dark (port-wine color) when exposed to light.

How to Collect 24-Hour Urine

1. Start (e.g., 8 AM): Empty your bladder into the toilet. Do not save this. Note the time.
2. Collection: For the next 24 hours, collect ALL urine passed into the dark container provided by the lab.
3. Finish (Next Day 8 AM): Collect the last urine at the exact same time you started.
4. Storage: Keep the container cool and strictly away from light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a random urine sample?

For screening during an acute attack, a random sample can be used, but a 24-Hour collection is the gold standard for accurate quantification and diagnosis.

Q: Why does my urine change color?

PBG is colorless, but when it is exposed to air and light, it converts into Porphobilin, which is a dark reddish-purple pigment. This is a classic sign of Porphyria.

Q: What triggers Porphyria attacks?

Attacks can be triggered by certain medications (barbiturates, sulfa drugs), fasting/dieting, alcohol, stress, or hormonal changes.

Disclaimer: This test detects a rare genetic disorder. Results must be interpreted by a specialist (Hematologist or Gastroenterologist).