Porphyrins, Fecal
Test Mnemonic
STPRPH
CPT Codes
- 84126 - QTY (1)
Includes
- Coproporphyrin
- Protoporphyrin
- Porphyrin Fecal Interpretation
Performing Laboratory
ARUP
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 g | Stool, random | Clean container | Frozen, Critical | Critical frozen. Protect from light during collection, storage, and shipment. Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered. Wrap in foil and freeze specimen immediately after collection. |
Minimum Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 g |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Frozen | 3 weeks |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Ambient | Unacceptable |
Days Performed
Mon, Thu
Turnaround Time
3 - 8 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) |
Special Info
Critical frozen. Protect from light. Must submit separate specimens when multiple tests are ordered. Complete timed collections (24 - 72 hour) are unacceptable. Liquid stool is unacceptable. Specimens stored in one gallon cans or other large containers will be rejected. This test is New York DOH approved.
Clinical Info
Useful for distinguishing among acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), variegate porphyria (VP), and hereditary coproporphyria (HCP). Bacterial modification of fecal porphyrins is extensive. The recommended specimen for uroporphyrin and coproporphyrin is urine (random or 24-hour). The recommended specimen for protoporphyrin is serum.