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Porphyrins/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A urine test that measures porphyrins relative to creatinine, helping evaluate possible porphyrin disorders.

Quick summary

["An elevated result may suggest increased porphyrin production or impaired liver processing and should be interpreted with your other test results."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
38160-8
Short code
Porphyrins/Creat Ur
Synonyms
Porphyrins/Creat Ur
Category
kidney
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This test measures porphyrins in your urine relative to the amount of creatinine. Porphyrins are natural building blocks involved in making heme, the oxygen-carrying component of blood.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test if you have symptoms of a porphyria, such as unusual skin sensitivity, abdominal pain, or nervous system symptoms. It may also be used to investigate unexplained porphyrin elevations or certain forms of liver disease.

How is the test performed?

You provide a urine sample, which is analyzed in a laboratory. The laboratory measures porphyrins and creatinine and calculates the porphyrin-to-creatinine ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the instructions provided by your clinician, including whether to collect a first-morning, timed, or random urine sample. Tell your clinician about medicines, alcohol use, recent illness, and any changes in urine color or skin sensitivity.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine porphyrin ratio

Frequently asked questions

Does an elevated result mean I have porphyria?
No. An elevated result can have several causes, and porphyria is diagnosed by combining the result with symptoms, medical history, and additional laboratory tests.
Why is creatinine included in the result?
Creatinine helps account for how concentrated or dilute the urine is. This makes the porphyrin result more comparable across urine samples.
Can medicines or alcohol affect the result?
Yes. Certain medicines, alcohol, and other substances can increase urinary porphyrins. Tell your clinician about everything you have recently taken or consumed.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy