What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, skin that blisters or burns in sunlight, or nerve issues like tingling and weakness that come and go. It measures porphyrins, natural substances your body makes when producing heme (a part of red blood cells), and checks whether a buildup could be causing your symptoms. It's often used when other causes have been ruled out and a rare metabolic condition called porphyria is suspected.

What's included in this test?

This test measures several types of porphyrins in a random urine sample, which are byproducts made as your body builds heme for red blood cells. Looking at the different types together (not just one) helps pinpoint which stage of the heme-building process may be affected, since each porphyrin type points to a different possible issue.

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 know exactly where you stand. If any values are outside the expected range, the report will explain what that may mean and whether retesting or further evaluation makes sense. You can download a standard lab report anytime from your account, and if you test again in the future, the trends feature lets you compare results side by side to spot patterns over time.

How can I naturally support healthy porphyrin levels?

Avoiding known triggers is one of the most effective natural steps: this includes limiting alcohol, avoiding unnecessary medications that stress the liver, and staying consistent with meals since fasting or crash dieting can worsen porphyrin buildup in sensitive people. Eating enough carbohydrates and staying well hydrated supports normal heme production. Protecting your skin from strong sunlight can also help if you notice skin sensitivity.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available in your account, so there's no need to call and check.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with recurring unexplained abdominal pain, skin blistering or burning after sun exposure, or episodes of nerve pain, weakness, or confusion without a clear cause. It's also useful if you have a family member diagnosed with porphyria, since some forms run in families. People whose symptoms flare after alcohol, certain medications, or fasting may also want to consider this test.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include severe belly pain that comes in episodes, reddish or dark urine, skin that blisters, itches, or burns after sun exposure, and nerve-related symptoms like tingling, weakness, or muscle pain. Some people also notice mood changes, confusion, or seizures during flare-ups. If these symptoms come and go or seem to be triggered by alcohol, medications, or stress, this test can help clarify what's going on.

What does a high porphyrin result mean?

A high result means your body has more porphyrins built up than expected, which can point toward a type of porphyria or another condition affecting how your body processes heme. The specific pattern of which porphyrins are elevated helps narrow down the type. Simple steps like avoiding alcohol, certain medications, and prolonged fasting can help reduce flare-ups while you figure out next steps, and if symptoms are severe, seek medical care right away.

What causes high porphyrin levels?

High porphyrin levels are usually caused by an inherited enzyme issue in the heme-building process, but flare-ups are often triggered by things like alcohol use, certain medications, hormonal changes, infections, fasting, or smoking. Liver conditions and heavy metal exposure can also raise porphyrin levels. Identifying and avoiding your personal triggers is often the most practical way to manage symptoms.

How often should I retest?

If your results are normal but symptoms continue, retesting during an active flare-up (when symptoms are at their worst) often gives more useful information than testing when you feel fine. If you're managing a confirmed porphyrin issue, retesting every few months or whenever new symptoms appear can help you track your progress. Your trends feature makes it easy to see whether your levels are improving over time.

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 Urine Test - Porphyria & Nerve Symptom Check

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 Urine Test for Porphyria & Skin Symptoms

Porphyrins, Fractionated, Quantitative, Random Urine

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?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

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Porphyrins Urine Test for Porphyria & Skin Symptoms

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say