Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), Random Urine
Test Mnemonic
UAMINO
CPT Codes
- 82135 - QTY (1)
Aliases
- 5-Aminolevulinic Acid
- Delta Aminolevulinic Acid
Includes
- Creatinine, Urine - per volume
- Aminolevulinic Acid - per volume
- ALA, Random Urine ratio to CRT
Performing Laboratory
ARUP
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 mL | Urine, random | Clean container (No preservatives) | Refrigerated | Patient should refrain from alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to collection. Transfer 4mL aliquot to a standard transport tube. |
Minimum Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 mL |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 4 days |
| Frozen | 1 month |
| Ambient | Unacceptable |
Days Performed
Mon, Wed, Fri
Turnaround Time
2 - 5 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Ion Exchange Chromatography/Spectrophotometry |
Reference Range
| Aminolevulinic Acid - per volume | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| Normal | 0 - 35 | umol/L |
Special Info
Patient Prep: Refrain from alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to collection. Special Info: Unacceptable conditions: Body fluids other than urine. This test is New York DOH approved.
Clinical Info
Increased ALA concentration is associated with exposure to alcohol, lead and a variety of other agents. Massive elevation of ALA occurs in the acute prophyrias and hereditary tyrosinemia. If testing for an acute porphyria, please consider ordering PBG, Screen (SQUPBG). If testing for a cutaneous porphyria, please consider ordering Porphyrins, Urine (SQUPORFR). If testing for erythropoietic porphyria, please consider ordering Total Erythrocyte Porphyrins (SQPROPOR).