Porphyrin Tests Test
Porphyrin tests measure the level of porphyrins in your blood, urine, or stool. High levels may indicate a type of porphyria, a rare inherited disorder that affects how your body makes heme, a part of hemoglobin.
What this test measures
Porphyrin tests measure the level of porphyrins in your blood, urine (pee), or stool (poop). Your body uses porphyrins to make heme, which is part of hemoglobin in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
If high levels of porphyrin are found in your blood, urine, or stool, your provider will probably order more tests to confirm a diagnosis and to find out what kind of porphyria you have.
Frequently asked questions
What are porphyrin tests used for?
Porphyrin tests are used to help diagnose or to monitor all types of porphyria.
What do porphyrins do in the body?
Your body uses porphyrins to make heme, which is part of hemoglobin in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
What are the main types of porphyria?
There are two main groups: acute porphyrias (sudden, affect nervous system) and cutaneous porphyrias (long-lasting, affect skin).
What does a high porphyrin level mean?
High levels may mean you have porphyria, but your provider will order more tests to confirm and find out which type.
Is there a cure for porphyria?
According to MedlinePlus, there is no cure for porphyria, but the condition can be managed with lifestyle changes and/or medicines.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Porphyrin Tests — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.