MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Delta-ALA

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Delta-ALA

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition How the Test is Performed How to Prepare for the Test	How the Test Will Feel Why the Test is Performed Normal Results What Abnormal Results Mean Risks

Illustrations

Urine sample

Alternative Names Return to top

Delta-aminolevulinic acid

Definition Return to top

Delta-ALA is a protein produced by the liver. A test can be done to measure the amount of this protein in your urine.

How the Test is Performed Return to top

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 Return to top

Your doctor may tell you to temporarily stop taking any drugs that may affect test results. Such drugs include penicillin, barbiturates, birth control pills, and griseofulvin, an antifungal medicine.

How the Test Will Feel Return to top

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

Why the Test is Performed Return to top

This test looks for increased levels of Delta-ALA. It may be used to help diagnose porphyria.

Normal Results Return to top

In general, the normal range is 1 to 7 milligrams per 24 hours.

What Abnormal Results Mean Return to top

Increased levels of urinary delta-ALA may indicate:

Lead poisoning
Porphyria (several types)

Decreased levels may occur with chronic liver disease.

Risks Return to top

There are no risks.

Update Date: 5/29/2007

Updated by: Daniel R Alexander, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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