Total urine porphyrins (TUP)

Description: 
TUP is a test offered by the SAAS Porphyria Service in Reference Biochemistry at King’s College Hospital. Quantitative measurement of TUP is carried out using spectrophotometry.
Clinical details: 
Porphyrins are precursors in the haem synthesis pathway and TUP can be elevated in patients during an acute porphyria attack and in patients with the cutaneous porphyrias e.g. congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) and porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT).
Related condition or disease: 
Secondary causes of increased TUP, known as porphyrinuria, are associated with liver disorders, excess alcohol consumption and lead toxicity.
Reference range: 

Random urine < 35 nmol/mmol creatinine

Synonyms or keywords: 
TUP
Department: 
Reference Biochemistry Department
Location: 
King's College Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
10 – 20 mL fresh urine, preferably collected early morning. No preservative is necessary but specimens should be protected from light.
Turnaround time: 
1-2 weeks
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Specimens can be sent by first class post without ice packs. Specimens are stable for several weeks if frozen while awaiting despatch.
Contacts:
Reference Biochemistry Department at King's College Hospital
020 3299 4107
King's College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
Porphyrins and Gastrointestinal Laboratory at King's College Hospital
Porphyrins - 020 3299 3856
King's College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Porphyrins and Gastrointestinal Laboratory at King's College Hospital

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Last updated: 10/11/2022