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Test Code UPGDW Uroporphyrinogen Decarboxylase, Washed Erythrocytes

Reporting Name

UPG Decarboxylase, RBC

Useful For

Diagnosis of porphyria cutanea tarda type II and hepatoerythropoietic porphyria

Testing Algorithm

A stepwise approach is typically most effective when evaluating patients with suspected porphyria. See Porphyria (Cutaneous) Testing Algorithm or call 800-533-1710 to discuss testing strategies. If guidance is needed for an acute form of porphyria, the Porphyria (Acute) Testing Algorithm is also available.

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Washed RBC


Ordering Guidance


Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) type I (sporadic), the most common form of PCT, exhibits normal erythrocyte enzyme activity. The preferred test for diagnosis of PTC type 1 is PQNU / Porphyrins, Quantitative, 24 Hour, Urine or PQNRU / Porphyrins, Quantitative, Random, Urine.



Necessary Information


Include a list of medications the patient is currently taking.



Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: For 24 hours before specimen collection, patient must not consume any alcohol. This is essential as alcohol suppresses enzyme activity for 24 hours after ingestion.

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 erythrocytes 2 times by resuspension with 5 mL of cold 0.9% saline, discarding supernatant after each washing.

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

7. Transfer washed erythrocytes into a plastic vial and freeze.


Specimen Minimum Volume

Washed and resuspended erythrocytes: 1 mL

Specimen Stability Information

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

Reference Values

≥1.00 RU (Normal)

0.80-0.99 RU (Indeterminate)

<0.80 RU (Indicative of porphyria cutanea tarda type II)

 

RU = Relative Units

Day(s) Performed

Tuesday

CPT Code Information

82657

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
UPGDW UPG Decarboxylase, RBC 49596-0

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
31892 UPG Decarboxylase, RBC 49596-0
606381 Interpretation 59462-2
606382 Reviewed By 18771-6

Interpretation

Abnormal results are reported with a detailed interpretation that may include an overview of the results and their significance, a correlation to available clinical information provided with the specimen, differential diagnosis, recommendations for additional testing when indicated, and available, and a phone number to reach one of the laboratory directors in case the referring physician has additional questions.

Clinical Reference

1. Tortorelli S, Kloke K, Raymond K. Disorders of porphyrin metabolism. In: Dietzen DJ, Bennett MJ, Wong EDD, eds. Biochemical and Molecular Basis of Pediatric Disease. 4th ed. AACC Press; 2010:307-324

2. Nuttall KL, Klee GG. Analytes of hemoglobin metabolism-porphyrins, iron, and bilirubin. In: Burtis CA, Ashwood ER, eds. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry. 5th ed. WB Saunders Company; 2001:584-607

3. Anderson KE, Sassa S, Bishop DF, Desnick RJ. Disorders of heme biosynthesis: X-Linked sideroblastic anemia and the porphyrias. In: Valle DL, Antonarakis S, Ballabio A, Beaudet AL, Mitchell GA, eds. The Online Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease. McGraw-Hill; 2019. Accessed August 3, 2026. Available at https://ommbid.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?sectionid=225540906&bookid=2709

4. Singal AK. Porphyria cutanea tarda: Recent update. Mol Genet Metab. 2019;128(3):271-281. doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2019.01.004

Report Available

3 to 9 days

Method Name

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Forms

1. 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)

2. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798) with the specimen.

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.