Delta Aminolevulinic Acid, Random 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: LAB1232254, Beaker: Delta Aminol, Quest: 6301

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Urine in sterile screw cap container – no preservative. (Minimum 0.6 mL). Protect from light.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

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

Preparation for Courier Transport

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

Rejection Criteria

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

In-Lab Processing

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

Transport: 2.0 mL urine protected from light, refrigerated at (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

1-8 Years	2.3-6.2 mg/g creat
9-17 Years	1.5-5.3 mg/g creat
≥18 Years Male	<1.8 mg/g creat
≥18 Years Female	<5.4 mg/g creat

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

3/25/2026