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Porphobilinogen (PBG) is a type of porphyrin, which is a group of organic compounds that play a crucial role in the body's production of heme, an essential component of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Under normal circumstances, the body metabolizes PBG and other porphyrins into heme through a series of enzymatic reactions. However, when there is a deficiency in one of the enzymes involved in this heme synthesis pathway, PBG and other porphyrins can accumulate in the body, leading to various health issues. The measurement of PBG levels in urine is critical for diagnosing porphyria, a hereditary metabolic disorder characterized by such enzyme deficiencies. This disorder can manifest in various symptoms, including abdominal pain, neurological complications, and skin sensitivity. The testing for PBG is performed on urine samples, as porphyrins are excreted through urine. The quantitative assessment of PBG levels is typically conducted using advanced techniques such as ion exchange chromatography and spectrophotometry, which provide precise measurements of PBG concentration. A 24-hour urine collection is generally preferred for this test, although a random urine sample may be utilized during acute episodes of symptoms to facilitate timely diagnosis.
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Porphobilinogen testing is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for measuring porphobilinogen in urine involves several key steps:
After the porphobilinogen urine test is completed, the results are analyzed and interpreted by healthcare professionals. Patients may not require any specific post-procedure care, but it is essential to follow up with the healthcare provider to discuss the results and any further diagnostic steps or treatments that may be necessary based on the findings. Monitoring for symptoms related to porphyria may also be advised, depending on the patient's clinical presentation.
| Short Descr | ASSAY OF PORPHOBILINOGEN | Medium Descr | ASSAY OF PORPHOBILINOGEN URINE QUANTITATIVE | Long Descr | Porphobilinogen, urine; quantitative | 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. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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