What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, skin sensitivity to sunlight, or nerve-related symptoms like tingling and muscle weakness. It's also commonly used if you have chronic kidney (renal) problems, since kidney disease can sometimes cause substances called porphyrins to build up in your blood. This test helps figure out if a condition called porphyria could be behind your symptoms.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account, with each value explained alongside its normal range so you know exactly what it means. If your porphyrin levels are elevated, next steps often include avoiding known triggers like certain medications, alcohol, and excess sun exposure, along with a possible retest to confirm the finding. If a value comes back significantly high, it's a good idea to seek medical care right away. You can also download a standard lab report from your account and use the trends feature to track your levels over time.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include belly pain that comes and goes, reddish or brownish urine, blistering or burning skin after sun exposure, and unexplained numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. People with long-term kidney problems who develop these symptoms are often good candidates for this test. If you've had repeated, unexplained episodes like these, it may be worth checking your porphyrin levels.

How can I naturally support healthy porphyrin levels?

Avoiding known triggers is the most effective natural step — this means limiting alcohol, steering clear of certain medications known to worsen porphyria, and using sun protection like clothing and sunscreen. Eating regular, balanced meals helps keep your body's metabolism steady, which can reduce flare-ups in some types of porphyria. Managing stress and staying well hydrated also support your kidneys, which play a role in clearing these substances from your blood.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected. You'll get a notification and can log into your account to view your report as soon as it's available. If anything looks unclear, the report includes plain-language explanations to help you understand your numbers.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with chronic kidney (renal) failure who are showing symptoms that could point to porphyria, such as skin reactions to sunlight or recurring abdominal pain. It's also useful for anyone with a family history of porphyria or unexplained neurological symptoms. If you've had puzzling symptoms that haven't been explained by other tests, this can be a helpful next step.

What is porphyria and why does it matter?

Porphyria is a group of rare conditions where your body has trouble making a substance called heme, which is needed to carry oxygen in your blood. This causes porphyrins to build up, which can lead to skin problems, stomach pain, and nerve issues. Catching this early matters because avoiding triggers can prevent painful flare-ups and long-term complications.

What does a high porphyrins result mean?

A high result means there's a buildup of porphyrins in your blood, which can point to porphyria or be related to kidney problems affecting how your body clears these substances. It doesn't automatically mean you have a serious disease, but it's a signal worth following up on. Simple next steps include avoiding alcohol, checking your medications, and reducing sun exposure while you sort out the cause.

What causes high porphyrin levels?

High levels can be caused by inherited porphyria conditions, certain medications, alcohol use, hormonal changes, or reduced kidney function that limits how well your body filters these substances. Some people only see elevated levels during a flare-up triggered by stress, fasting, or illness. Identifying your personal triggers can help you manage and prevent future spikes.

How often should I retest?

If your first result is elevated, retesting after making lifestyle changes (like avoiding triggers) within a few weeks to months can help confirm whether levels are improving. If you have a diagnosed porphyria condition or ongoing kidney issues, periodic retesting every few months can help you keep track of your levels over time. Your trends dashboard makes it easy to spot patterns between tests.

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.

Plasma Porphyrins Test - Porphyria & Kidney Screening

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]

Plasma Porphyrins Test for Kidney and Porphyria Symptoms

Porphyrins, Total, 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 happens after I get my results?

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

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

Find a lab near you

Plasma Porphyrins Test for Kidney and Porphyria Symptoms

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

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