Amino Levulinic Acid (ALA), 24 H Urine

The amino levulinic acid (ALA) 24 H urine test measures the concentration of ALA in the urine collected over a 24-hour period.

• Increased ALA levels are linked to exposure to alcohol and a number of other substances. • The amino levulinic acid (ALA) 24 H urine test is frequently used to detect and track acute hepatic porphyrias, a class of uncommon hereditary diseases brought on by errors in the enzymes responsible for heme production. Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), hereditary coproporphyria (HCP), variegate porphyria (VP), and ALA dehydratase deficiency porphyria (ADP) are examples of acute hepatic porphyrias. Abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, seizures, hallucinations, and anxiety are only a few of the neurologic and psychiatric symptoms that might result from these disorders' accumulation of ALA and other intermediates in the liver and other tissues. • The test may also be used to check for lead poisoning, a condition brought on by prolonged exposure to lead, a hazardous metal that can harm a number of bodily organs and systems. The enzyme ALA dehydratase, which transforms ALA into the intermediate porphobilinogen (PBG), can be inhibited by lead poisoning, leading to higher amounts of ALA in the urine. • The test may also be used to assess other illnesses that influence the production or metabolism of heme, such as hereditary tyrosinemia type I, which results in a lack of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase, an enzyme necessary for the breakdown of the amino acid tyrosine. Increased amounts of ALA and other metabolites can be seen in the urine as a result of hereditary tyrosinemia type I.

• When a patient exhibits symptoms or signs of acute hepatic porphyria, such as anxiety, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach discomfort, or seizures. • To test individuals who have been exposed to high amounts of lead or who exhibit symptoms including headache, exhaustion, irritability, memory loss, anemia, or neuropathy for lead poisoning. • To determine whether newborns or kids with symptoms like failure to thrive, jaundice, a propensity for bleeding, rickets, or liver cancer have hereditary tyrosinemia type I. • To track these illnesses' prognosis and therapy response.

• Acute hepatic porphyria: A group of rare inherited disorders that cause neurologic and psychiatric symptoms due to defects in the enzymes involved in the heme synthesis. The most common type is acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), which accounts for about 80% of cases. Other types include hereditary coproporphyria (HCP), variegate porphyria (VP), and ALA dehydratase deficiency porphyria (ADP). • Lead poisoning: A condition caused by exposure to high levels of lead, a toxic metal that can damage various organs and systems in the body. Lead poisoning can interfere with the activity of ALA dehydratase. • Hereditary tyrosinemia type I: A disorder that causes a deficiency of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase.

The test typically involves a urine collection, where a patient will provide a urine sample in a clean container over a 24-hour period. The procedure is relatively simple and noninvasive.

Patients may be advised to follow specific instructions before the test, such as avoiding certain foods or medications that can affect the levels of ALA in the urine. Some examples are alcohol, barbiturates, oral contraceptives, sulfonamides, and acetaminophen. 24 hour Urine should be collected in mug and transferred to relevant Urine container with or without preservative. 20 ml of aliqout to be sent to lab in refrigerated condition along with clinical history and mention Urine volume of 24 Hr collected sample for calculation purpose. Time of collection, start time to end time and exclude first urine sample and include last voided urine sample. Many analytes like VMA, 5 HIAA, adrenaline may require drug avoidance as well as bananas, tea, coffee, and cold drink avoidance for accurate results and such history to be conveyed to lab. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance to ensure accurate test results.

• Porphobilinogen (PBG) 24 H urine test: To measure the levels of PBG in the urine over a 24-hour period, another intermediate compound in the heme synthesis. PBG is also increased in acute hepatic porphyrias and lead poisoning. • Porphyrins 24 H urine test: To measure the levels of porphyrins in the urine over a 24-hour period, the final products of the heme synthesis. Porphyrins are increased in various types of porphyrias, such as acute hepatic porphyrias, cutaneous porphyrias, and erythropoietic porphyrias. • Genetic testing for acute hepatic porphyrias: To identify the specific type and number of mutations in the genes that encode the enzymes involved in the heme synthesis. Genetic testing can help confirm the diagnosis of acute hepatic porphyrias and can be useful for at-risk family screening. • Blood lead test: To measure the level of lead in the blood, which is an indicator of lead exposure and poisoning. • Liver function tests: To assess the health and function of the liver, which produces ALA and other proteins. • Kidney function tests: To assess the health and function of the kidneys, which excrete ALA and other metabolites.

• ALA 24 H urine test • Aminolevulinic acid 24 H urine test

The ALA 24-H urine test measures the levels of delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in urine over a 24-hour period. It helps diagnose and monitor disorders related to heme synthesis, such as porphyria and lead poisoning.

Yes, many diagnostic centers offer home sample collection, including Metropolis Healthcare for the ALA 24-H urine test. This service provides a convenient way to undergo the test without visiting a laboratory.

The normal range for ALA in a 24-hour urine collection is typically 0–7 mg/24 hours. Elevated levels may indicate a heme synthesis disorder or lead poisoning.

The ALA 24-H Urine Test is primarily used to diagnose and monitor disorders related to heme synthesis, particularly porphyria. It can also help detect lead poisoning.

The frequency of the ALA 24-H Urine Test depends on your clinical needs and health condition. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate testing schedule based on your symptoms, family history, and other factors.

You can start the ALA 24-H Urine Test at any time, but it's often recommended to begin the collection at a consistent time, such as 8 AM or 8 PM. Discard the initial urine before starting the collection.

No, fasting is not required for the ALA 24-H Urine Test. However, it's recommended to avoid certain medications and meals for 24 hours before collecting the specimen, after consulting with your doctor.

Yes, it's crucial to use a dark or aluminum foil-wrapped container to protect the sample from light, keep the container refrigerated during and after the collection, and follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

The primary parameter measured in the ALA 24-H Urine Test is the level of delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Sometimes, urine porphobilinogen and total porphyrins are also measured to provide a comprehensive picture of porphyrin metabolism.

The ALA 24-H Urine Test should be done when your doctor suspects a heme synthesis disorder, such as porphyria, or lead poisoning based on your symptoms, family history, or other clinical factors.

The ALA 24-H Urine Test involves collecting all urine excreted over a 24-hour period. The actual test, which measures the ALA levels in the collected sample, is performed in a laboratory and typically takes a few hours to complete.

The turnaround time for the ALA 24-H Urine Test results may vary depending on the diagnostic center. Typically, you can expect to receive the reports within a week based on the day/time the sample is collected and processed.