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Test Code ALADW Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase, Washed Erythrocytes


Ordering Guidance


This assay is not useful in assessment of lead intoxication as it reactivates aminolevulinic acid dehydratase that has been inhibited by lead. The preferred test for lead toxicity is PBDV / Lead, Venous, with Demographics, Blood.



Necessary Information


1. Volume of packed cells and total volume of specimen (red cells + saline) are required and must be sent with specimen.

2. Patient's age is required

3. Include a list of medications the patient is currently taking.



Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: Patient must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before specimen collection. This is essential as ethanol suppresses aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity, leading to false-positive results.

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Green top (sodium heparin)

Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA) or green top (lithium heparin)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: Entire washed erythrocyte suspension

Collection Instructions: Collect and process whole blood specimen as follows:

1. Transfer entire specimen to a 12-mL graduated centrifuge tube.

2. Centrifuge specimen at 4° C for 10 minutes at 2000 rpm.

3. Record volume of packed cells and the total volume of the specimen.

4. Discard supernatant plasma.

5. Wash packed erythrocytes 2 times by resuspension of at least an equal amount of cold 0.9% saline, mix, and centrifuge for 5 minutes at 2000 rpm, discarding supernatant after each washing.

6. Resuspend packed cells to the original total volume with 0.9% saline. Invert specimen gently to mix.


Forms

New York Clients-Informed consent is required. Document on the request form or electronic order that a copy is on file. The following documents are available:

-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (T576)

-Informed Consent for Genetic Testing-Spanish (T826)

Useful For

Confirmation of a diagnosis of aminolevulinic acid dehydratase deficiency porphyria using washed erythrocyte specimens

 

This test is not useful for detecting lead intoxication.

Method Name

Enzymatic End point/Spectrofluorometric

Reporting Name

ALA Dehydratase, RBC

Specimen Type

Washed RBC

Specimen Minimum Volume

1 mL of washed and resuspended erythrocytes

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Washed RBC Frozen (preferred) 7 days
  Refrigerated  14 days
  Ambient  4 days

Reject Due To

Cell suspension not available Reject

Reference Values

Reference ranges have not been established for patients who are younger than 16 years.

 

≥4.0 nmol/L/sec

3.5-3.9 nmol/L/sec (indeterminate)

<3.5 nmol/L/sec (diminished)

Day(s) Performed

Tuesday

Report Available

2 to 8 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

82657

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
ALADW ALA Dehydratase, RBC 2813-4

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
31946 ALA Dehydratase 2813-4
31948 Interpretation 59462-2
BG573 Total Cell Suspension 94496-7
BG574 Packed Cell Volume 94497-5
606469 Reviewed By 18771-6