Urine porphyrins test
Quick answer: This urine test measures porphyrins, substances made while the body produces haemoglobin. It helps doctors look into porphyria, a group of rare conditions that can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight or nerve symptoms.
- SampleUrine
- TakesA few minutes for a single sample, or 24 hours if a full collection is needed
- Before the testThe lab may ask you to protect the sample from light; follow their instructions.
How the test is done
- 1You get a container protected from light, sometimes with instructions for a 24-hour collection
- 2You pass urine into the container at the set time
- 3The sample is kept cool and away from light
- 4The lab checks for porphyrins, either as a simple screen or a measured amount
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Normal ranges differ between labs, so compare your result with the range printed on your report and discuss it with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
Raised porphyrins can point to a type of porphyria, and can also be seen with liver disease, lead exposure, some medicines and alcohol. The pattern of porphyrins helps specialists tell the types apart.
Who usually has this test
People with blistering or fragile skin after sun exposure, or nerve and tummy symptoms, where porphyria is being considered.
Risks and aftercare
There are no risks from the sample itself; if your skin is sun-sensitive, keep protecting it as usual.
Names and options
Also called: urine porphyrin
Options
- Quantitative
- Qualitative
Listed by the hospital as
- PORPHYRINS, URINE (QUANTITATIVE)
- PORPHYRINS, URINE (QUALITATIVE)
Questions about this test
What is porphyria?
Porphyria is a group of rare conditions in which the body has trouble making haem, part of haemoglobin. Some types mainly affect the skin, causing blisters in sunlight, while others cause attacks of pain and nerve symptoms.
What is the difference between the qualitative and quantitative tests?
A qualitative test shows whether porphyrins are raised, while a quantitative test measures how much of each type is present. The measured test gives more detail for diagnosis.
Can urine colour suggest porphyria?
In some types, urine can turn reddish or dark when left in light. This alone is not a diagnosis, and testing is needed.
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Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.