What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, skin blistering or sensitivity to sunlight, or nerve-related symptoms like tingling and weakness that come and go. It's also useful if you have a family history of porphyria or if you have chronic kidney failure and your care team suspects porphyria might be part of the picture. Because porphyria symptoms overlap with many other conditions, this test helps identify or rule out an abnormal buildup of porphyrins as the cause.

What's included in this test?

This test measures several types of porphyrins in your blood plasma. Looking at the full pattern of these compounds together, rather than just one, helps distinguish between different types of porphyria and helps rule it out in people with kidney issues who have similar symptoms.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each porphyrin value explained alongside its normal range, so you can see exactly where you stand. If a value comes back abnormal, next steps usually include avoiding known triggers like certain medications, alcohol, and excess sun exposure, and considering a follow-up test to confirm the pattern. You can download a standard lab report straight from your account at any time, and if you test again in the future you'll be able to track your porphyrin levels over time using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support healthy porphyrin levels?

Avoiding common triggers is the biggest natural step you can take — this includes limiting alcohol, staying consistent with meals to avoid fasting for long periods, and protecting your skin from strong sunlight if you're sensitive to it. Eating a steady, balanced diet with regular carbohydrate intake can help keep your body's porphyrin production stable. It also helps to keep a symptom diary noting what you were doing, eating, or taking before a flare-up so you can spot patterns.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. This test involves detailed lab analysis to separate and measure the different porphyrin types, which is why it takes a bit longer than routine bloodwork. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone with recurring, unexplained abdominal pain, skin that blisters or burns easily in sunlight, or episodes of nerve pain, weakness, or confusion that don't have a clear cause. People with a family history of porphyria may also want to consider testing, even without symptoms. It's also commonly used for people with chronic kidney failure whose symptoms could be mistaken for porphyria.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include sudden episodes of severe belly pain, reddish or dark urine, skin that blisters or becomes fragile after sun exposure, and nerve symptoms like tingling, weakness, or even mood changes during flare-ups. These episodes often come and go and can be triggered by things like alcohol, certain medications, hormonal changes, or fasting. If you notice a pattern of these symptoms, it's worth getting checked.

What is porphyria and why does it matter?

Porphyria refers to a group of conditions where the body has trouble making heme, a part of red blood cells, causing porphyrins to build up in the blood and tissues. This buildup can cause a range of symptoms from skin problems to severe abdominal and nerve pain. Identifying it matters because once you know your triggers, many symptom flare-ups can be avoided or managed.

What causes abnormal porphyrin levels?

Abnormal levels are usually caused by an inherited enzyme problem that affects how your body builds heme, though certain triggers can bring on a flare-up even if you carry the gene. Common triggers include alcohol, smoking, certain medications, hormonal shifts, and periods of fasting or crash dieting. Kidney problems can also cause porphyrin-like buildup that isn't true porphyria, which is part of why this test looks at multiple markers together.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your results come back abnormal, start by avoiding known triggers like alcohol, certain medications, and prolonged fasting while you plan next steps. Keep a record of your symptoms and any recent triggers to help clarify the pattern. If you experience severe abdominal pain, significant weakness, or confusion, seek medical care right away, since these can be signs of a serious flare.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Porphyrins Blood Test - Porphyria Diagnosis Panel

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Porphyrins Blood Test for Porphyria Diagnosis

Porphyrins, Fractionated, Plasma

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

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Porphyrins Blood Test for Porphyria Diagnosis

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

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