📌 What is the ALA Test?
A urine test that measures aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a compound involved in heme production (a component of hemoglobin). High levels of ALA can indicate porphyria, a group of disorders affecting the nervous system and skin.
📊 Normal Ranges
✔ Adults: < 4 mg/24 hours (may vary by lab)
✔ Children: Lower than adult values (varies by age)
🚨 High ALA Levels May Indicate:
🔺 Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP)
🔺 Lead poisoning (inhibits heme synthesis)
🔺 Hereditary tyrosinemia
🔺 Liver disease
🎯 Purpose of the Test
✅ Diagnoses acute porphyrias (neurological conditions with severe abdominal pain)
✅ Detects lead poisoning, which disrupts ALA metabolism
✅ Assesses heme synthesis disorders affecting red blood cells and metabolism
✅ Helps evaluate unexplained neurological symptoms such as confusion, paralysis, or seizures
💡 Key Facts
🔹 Porphyrias are rare disorders affecting the body’s ability to produce heme
🔹 Lead toxicity can increase ALA and cause severe neurological symptoms
🔹 24-hour urine collection is often required for accurate measurement
🔹 Genetic testing and enzyme analysis may be used alongside ALA testing for diagnosis