Test Code APPAN Acute Porphyria, Multi-Gene Panel, Varies
Useful For
Confirmation of acute porphyria for patients with clinical features of the disease
Special Instructions
Method Name
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Amplification/DNA Sequencing
Reporting Name
Acute Porphyria, Multi-Gene PanelSpecimen Type
VariesShipping Instructions
Specimen preferred to arrive within 96 hours of draw.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: A previous bone marrow transplant from an allogenic donor will interfere with testing. Call 800-533-1710 for instructions for testing patients who have received a bone marrow transplant.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Whole blood
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA) or yellow top (ACD)
Acceptable: Any anticoagulant
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Invert several times to mix blood.
2. Send specimen in original tube.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Specimen Type: Cultured fibroblasts
Container/Tube: T-75 or T-25 flask
Specimen Volume: 1 Full T-75 or 2 full T-25 flasks
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated <24 hours
Specimen Type: Skin biopsy
Container/Tube: Sterile container with any standard cell culture media (eg, minimal essential media, RPMI 1640). The solution should be supplemented with 1% penicillin and streptomycin. Tubes can be supplied upon request (Eagle's minimum essential medium with 1% penicillin and streptomycin [T115]).
Specimen Volume: 4-mm punch
Specimen Stability Information: Refrigerated (preferred)/Ambient
Acceptable:
Specimen Type: Blood spot
Supplies: Card - Blood Spot Collection (Filter Paper) (T493)
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Collection card (Whatman Protein Saver 903 Paper)
Acceptable: Ahlstrom 226 filter paper or Blood Spot Collection Card (T493)
Specimen Volume: 2 to 5 Blood spots
Collection Instructions:
1. An alternative blood collection option for a patient >1 year of age is finger stick.
2. Let blood dry on the filter paper at ambient temperature in a horizontal position for 3 hours.
3. Do not expose specimen to heat or direct sunlight.
4. Do not stack wet specimens.
5. Keep specimen dry.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Additional Information:
1. For collection instructions, see Blood Spot Collection Instructions in Special Instructions.
2. For collection instructions in Spanish, see Blood Spot Collection Card-Spanish Instructions (T777) in Special Instructions.
3. For collection instructions in Chinese, see Blood Spot Collection Card-Chinese Instructions (T800) in Special Instructions.
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Varies | Varies |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Clinical Information
Acute porphyria is caused by autosomal dominant mutations in 1 of 3 genes: HMBS, associated with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP); CPOX, associated with hereditary coproporphyria (HCP); and PPOX, associated with variegate porphyria (VP). Mutations in these genes show incomplete penetrance, and patients with a confirmed deleterious mutation may be asymptomatic.
Clinical manifestations of acute porphyria include attacks of neurologic dysfunction, commonly characterized as abdominal pain. However, these acute attacks are variable and can include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, urinary retention, acute episodes of neuropathic symptoms, psychiatric symptoms, seizures, respiratory paralysis, tachycardia, and hypertension. Respiratory paralysis can progress to coma and death.
HCP and VP are also associated with cutaneous manifestations, including edema, sun-induced erythema, acute painful photodermatitis, and urticaria. In some cases, patients present with isolated photosensitivity.
Acute attacks may be prevented by avoiding both endogenous and exogenous triggers. These triggers include porphyrogenic drugs, hormonal contraceptives, fasting, alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis.
Fecal porphyrins analysis and quantitative urinary porphyrins analysis are helpful in establishing a diagnosis of acute porphyria.
Reference Values
An interpretive report will be provided.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Performed weekly; Varies
Analytic Time
14 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
81405-CPOX
81406-HMBS
81406-PPOX
88233-(if appropriate)
88240-(if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
APPAN | Acute Porphyria, Multi-Gene Panel | In Process |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
53793 | Result Summary | 50397-9 |
52574 | Result | 82939-0 |
52575 | Interpretation | 69047-9 |
52576 | Additional Information | 48767-8 |
52577 | Specimen | 31208-2 |
52578 | Source | 31208-2 |
52580 | Released By | 18771-6 |
NY State Approved
YesReflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
CULFB | Fibroblast Culture for Genetic Test | Yes | No |
Testing Algorithm
If skin biopsy is received, fibroblast culture for genetic test will be added and charged separately.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Blood: 1 mL
Blood Spots: 3
Forms
1. New York Clients-Informed consent is required. Document on the request form or electronic order that a copy is on file. The following documents are available in Special Instructions:
-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (T576)
-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing-Spanish (T826)
2. Molecular Genetics: Biochemical Disorders Patient Information (T527) in Special Instructions
3. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Inborn Errors of Metabolism Test Request (T798) with the specimen.