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Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Porphyrins Total Quantitative 24 Hour Urine Test

This test measures total porphyrins in a 24-hour urine sample to help diagnose porphyria, a group of rare disorders affecting heme production. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
24-hour urine collection. Collect urine in a dark-colored container wrapped completely with black paper or aluminum foil. Avoid using preservatives.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Collect all urine passed during a 24-hour period. Follow specific collection instructions provided by the laboratory. Record the total 24-hour urine volume.
Test priceKSh 13,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Porphyrins Total Quantitative 24 Hour Urine Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

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01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of porphyria (e.g., abdominal pain, skin sensitivity, neurological issues)
  • ✓Family history of porphyria
  • ✓Monitoring known porphyria
  • ✓Evaluation of unexplained metabolic abnormalities
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps diagnose and monitor porphyrias, a group of rare genetic disorders affecting heme production. It measures the total amount of porphyrins excreted in urine over 24 hours, aiding in the identification of specific types of porphyria and guiding management strategies.
The Porphyrins Total Quantitative 24 Hour Urine Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify and monitor porphyria. Porphyrias are a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the body's ability to produce heme, a vital component of hemoglobin. This test measures the total amount of porphyrins in urine collected over a 24-hour period. Elevated levels can indicate various forms of porphyria or other metabolic disorders. Understanding porphyrin levels helps healthcare providers gain insights into the underlying causes of symptoms and guide treatment options. Early detection can lead to timely interventions and management. This test also helps in determining the specific type of porphyria, guiding treatment decisions and lifestyle modifications.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

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04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationCollect all urine passed during a 24-hour period. Follow specific collection instructions provided by the laboratory. Record the total 24-hour urine volume.
Sample24-hour urine collection. Collect urine in a dark-colored container wrapped completely with black paper or aluminum foil. Avoid using preservatives.
MethodologyQuantitative measurement of total porphyrins in urine.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests. Exposure of the urine sample to light before collection can affect results. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Porphyria is a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the body's ability to produce heme, an essential part of hemoglobin.
Collecting urine over 24 hours provides a comprehensive measure of porphyrin excretion, which can fluctuate throughout the day.
You must collect all urine passed in a 24-hour period into a special container provided by the lab. The container must be kept dark to prevent light exposure.
The test measures the total amount of porphyrins, which are organic compounds involved in heme production, found in your urine.
A healthcare provider will interpret the results based on your symptoms, medical history, and other tests. Discuss your results with your doctor.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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