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Aminolevulinic acid, delta (ALA) is a biochemical compound that plays a crucial role in the porphyrin synthesis pathway, which is essential for the production of blood cells. The measurement of ALA levels in urine is performed through a specific test that can provide valuable insights into various medical conditions. Elevated levels of ALA in the urine may indicate the presence of acute porphyria, a group of disorders characterized by the accumulation of porphyrins, or hereditary tyrosinemia, a genetic disorder affecting the metabolism of the amino acid tyrosine. Additionally, ALA has applications in photodynamic therapy, where it acts as a photosensitizer, and it can also be utilized in the diagnosis of certain types of cancers. It is important to note that certain factors can influence the accuracy of the test results; for instance, alcohol ingestion must be avoided for at least 24 hours prior to the test, as it can lead to abnormally elevated ALA levels. Other substances, such as lead and various compounds, may also affect the test outcomes. The test is conducted by obtaining either a random urine sample or a 24-hour urine collection sample, which is then analyzed using quantitative ion exchange chromatography and spectrophotometry to determine the concentration of ALA present.
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The measurement of aminolevulinic acid, delta (ALA) levels in urine is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for measuring aminolevulinic acid levels in urine involves several key steps:
After the urine sample has been collected and analyzed, the results will be interpreted by a healthcare professional. Depending on the findings, further diagnostic testing or clinical evaluation may be warranted. Patients should be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results and any necessary next steps. It is also important to monitor for any symptoms related to the conditions indicated by elevated ALA levels, such as those associated with porphyria or tyrosinemia.
| Short Descr | ASSAY AMINOLEVULINIC ACID | Medium Descr | AMINOLEVULINIC ACID DELTA | Long Descr | Aminolevulinic acid, delta (ALA) | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology |
| 90 | Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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