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Delta-ALA

Definition

Delta-ALA is a test to measure the amount of delta-ALA in urine.

Alternative Names

How the Test is Performed

The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test. A 24-hour urine sample is needed.

• On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning.
• Collect all subsequent urine (in the provided container) for the next 24-hours.
• On day 2, urinate into the same container when you get up in the morning.
• Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period. Label the container with your name, the date, the time you last urinated, and return it as instructed.

Infant:

Thoroughly wash and rinse the area between the lips of the vagina or the head of the penis. Open the urine collection bag (the plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on your infant. For males, the entire penis can be placed in the bag and the adhesive attached to the skin. For females, the bag is placed over the lips of the vagina.

Place a diaper over the infant (bag and all). The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated into the bag. For active infants, this procedure may take a couple of attempts. Lively infants can displace the bag, causing an inability to obtain the specimen. Drain the urine into the container for transport to the laboratory. As with adults, the container must be kept refrigerated.

Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.

Avoid exposure of the urine to direct light.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is necessary for this test, but if the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.

How the Test Will Feel

The test involves only normal urination and there is no discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is useful in detecting the amount of delta-ALA in the urine. Delta-ALA, a protein produced by the liver, is increased when another protein (an enzyme), has reduced function. This may lead to a type of metabolic disorder called porphyria.

Normal Results

1 to 7 mg per 24-hours

Note: mg = milligrams

What Abnormal Results Mean

Increased levels of urinary delta-ALA may indicate:

• Lead poisoning
• Porphyria (several types)

Risks

There are no risks.

Considerations

Drugs that may interfere with test measurements include penicillin, barbiturates, oral contraceptives, and griseofulvin, an anti-fungal medication.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.