Test Price
850 AED✅ Home Collection Available
Porphobilinogen (PBG) Quantitative 24-Hour Urine Test in UAE
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
Diagnostic Accuracy: 99.9% diagnostic sensitivity for acute porphyria detection via ISO 15189 accredited molecular pathology laboratory.
Collection Logistics: VIP Mobile Phlebotomy & Temperature-Controlled Cold-Chain Home Collection (Available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM). Light-sensitive specimen handling protocols strictly enforced.
Clinical Decision Support: Post-result tele-support with a Consultant Medical Geneticist to contextualize PBG levels with total porphyrins and clinical presentation.
Insurance & Billing: Direct insurance verification via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731.
Test Overview & Methodology
The Porphobilinogen (PBG) Quantitative 24-Hour Urine test is the gold-standard biochemical assay for diagnosing acute hepatic porphyrias, including Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP), Variegate Porphyria (VP), and Hereditary Coproporphyria (HCP). PBG is a key precursor in the heme biosynthesis pathway; its accumulation in urine is pathognomonic for an acute attack.
Our laboratory employs Column Chromatography with confirmatory Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to ensure absolute specificity. This methodology eliminates the false positives commonly associated with qualitative Ehrlich's reagent screening, providing clinicians with a definitive quantitative baseline to guide hemin therapy and monitor treatment efficacy.
| Feature | DNA Labs UAE PBG Quantitative Test | Alternative Random Urine PBG Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Precision | 99.9% Diagnostic Sensitivity via ISO 15189 accredited lab | Limited sensitivity; may miss intermittent porphyria elevations |
| Methodology | Column Chromatography with LC-MS/MS confirmation (gold standard) | Colorimetric Ehrlich's reagent; non-specific, qualitative |
| Turnaround | Same-day reporting (sample received by 9 AM) | Typically 24–48 hours; no quantitative data |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
"Quantitative porphobilinogen testing is the cornerstone of managing suspected acute porphyria. At DNA Labs UAE, we ensure that every step of the pre-analytical phase—especially the light-sensitive 24-hour collection—is meticulously explained to the patient to prevent degradation. Our LC-MS/MS platform provides the quantitative rigor needed to differentiate an acute attack from secondary causes of neurovisceral symptoms. I personally review flagged results to ensure timely clinical correlation."
– Lina Osama Zaki Quteineh, Consultant Medical Genetics | DHA ID: 9294403
Medication & Clinical Advisory
Critical Pre-Test Considerations
- Do not discontinue prescribed medications, including hormonal therapies or anticonvulsants, without consulting your referring physician, as they may trigger porphyria attacks.
- Inform your physician about all current medications, including over-the-counter supplements, to exclude drug-induced porphyrinuria.
- This test must be interpreted alongside total urinary porphyrins, PBG/creatinine ratio, and clinical presentation for accurate diagnosis.
Exclusion Criteria & Safety Red Flags
Contraindications for Home Collection
- Inability to collect a complete 24-hour urine specimen in a light-protected container.
- Severe oliguria (urine output < 400 mL/24h) or anuria.
- Known allergy to plastic urine collection bag materials (exceedingly rare).
Urgent Medical Evaluation Required
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain with confusion or agitation.
- Seizures, hallucination, or respiratory muscle weakness.
- Dark red/brown urine accompanied by rapid heartbeat and hypertension.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What does this test detect, and why is it ordered?
Quantitative 24-hour urine PBG testing confirms acute porphyria diagnosis and monitors therapy effectiveness precisely. It is primarily ordered when patients present with unexplained neurological symptoms, severe abdominal pain, or psychiatric manifestations suggestive of an acute hepatic porphyria attack. Elevated PBG helps differentiate acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), variegate porphyria (VP), and hereditary coproporphyria (HCP).
2. How do I prepare and collect the sample correctly?
Collect all urine for 24 hours in a dark container, refrigerate, and avoid light exposure at all times. Begin by discarding the first morning urine, note the time, and collect every subsequent void into the provided dark bottle. Keep the bottle refrigerated or in a cooler during the collection period. Light and warmth degrade PBG, so strict protection is essential. Our VIP mobile phlebotomist will provide detailed instructions and the specialized collection kit during the home visit.
3. What symptoms indicate I might need this test?
Clinical indications for ordering this test include unexplained severe abdominal pain, peripheral neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction (tachycardia, hypertension), and neuropsychiatric symptoms (anxiety, hallucinations, confusion). If you experience recurrent attacks with these symptoms, especially triggered by medications, fasting, or hormonal changes, this test is essential for diagnosis.
4. How long does it take to get results?
Our turnaround time is same-day reporting if the 24-hour urine sample is received in our Dubai Healthcare City laboratory by 9 AM. Results are securely uploaded to your patient portal, and a tele-support consultation with our Consultant Medical Geneticist is available to help interpret the findings in your clinical context.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Compliance & Accreditation Framework
- Data Privacy: Fully compliant with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL). All patient health information is encrypted and processed lawfully.
- Health Data Governance: Adheres to Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields, ensuring secure digital transmission and storage of medical records.
- Clinical Safety & Consent: Patient safety protocols and informed consent procedures are strictly governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability.
- Accreditation: DNA Labs UAE is an ISO 15189 accredited medical laboratory, holding DHA Facility License Number 1143, ensuring international standards of quality and competence in medical testing.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Porphobilinogen (PBG) Quantitative 24-Hour Urine |
| Price (AED) | 850 |
| Turnaround Time | Same Day (received by 9 AM) |
| Sample Type / Matrix | 24-Hour Urine (Light-Protected Collection) |
| Methodology Used | Column Chromatography + LC-MS/MS Confirmation |
| ICD-10-CM Code | E80.21 (Acute Intermittent Porphyria), E80.2 (Other Porphyria) |
| LOINC Code | 14842-9 |
| DHA Facility License & Address | License 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE |
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