Delta Aminolevulinic Acid, 24-Hour Urine

ALA (Aminolevulinic Acid), DALA (Delta-Aminolevulinic Acid), AIP (Acute Intermittent Porphyria), ALA Dehydratase Deficiency Porphyria (ADP), HCP (Hereditary Coproporphyria), VP (Variegate Porphyria)

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1231995, Beaker: DAAU24, Quest: 219

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

• A Urine Creatinine test is performed on each sample.
• Please refer to the Specimen Collection Manual for instructions on 24-Hour Urine Collection:
• Urine 24-Hour Collection - Inpatient
• Urine 24-Hour Collection - Outpatient
• Urine 24-Hour Collection - Outreach

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: 24-hour urine sample with no preservative. Keep 24-hour urine specimen iced or refrigerated during collection. Wrap container in aluminum foil to protect from light. 

• Include start and end dates and times for the collection period on the specimen container.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport and protect from light.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Entire 24-hour urine collection protected from light, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

• Received room temperature.
• Not protected from light.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated. 

In-Lab Processing

Measure total volume of 24-hour urine specimen. Record total volume and collection start and end dates and times in the LIS system. Aliquot 2.0 mL from the well-mixed 24-hour urine collection and transfer to amber transport tube or transport tube and wrapped in foil.  (Minimum: 0.6 mL)

Transport: 2.0 mL aliquot protected from light, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) (Minimum: 0.6 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Results available within 2-4 days

Reference Range

Delta ALA	24-Hour Urine
Adults	<4.5 mg/24 h
Creatinine	24-Hour Urine
3-8 Years	0.11-0.68 mg/24 h
9-12 Years	0.17-1.41 mg/24 h
13-17 Years	0.29-1.87 mg/24 h
Adults	0.63-2.50 mg/24 h

Test Methodology

Colorimetric (C)

Clinical Utility

The ALA assay aids in the diagnosis of a form of acute intermittent porphyria or an induction/toxic porphyria. This assay indicates lead intoxication in children.

CPT Codes

82135

Contacts

Last Updated

11/19/2025