Porphyrins are natural chemicals in the body that help form many important substances in the body. One of these is hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood.

Function of this test:

a) To monitor porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT)

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a rare disorder characterized by painful, blistering skin lesions that develop on sun-exposed skin (photosensitivity). Affected skin is fragile and may peel or blister after minor trauma. Liver abnormalities may also occur. 

b) To confirm diagnosis of suspected variegate porphyria (VP) 

Variegate porphyria (VP) is classified as both a cutaneous and an acute porphyria. It can present with chronic blistering cutaneous manifestations and/or acute attacks of neurovisceral manifestations that may become chronic.

c) To comfirm erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is an inherited porphyria resulting in the accumulation of protoporphyrins in red blood cells that causes acute, painful photosensitivity and potential liver disease. It typically presents in early childhood with immediate pain and crying upon exposure to bright sunlight.

Oral bacterium P. gingivalis has been well-documented as a mediator of periodontal disease. Furthermore, hosts harboring this pathogen have been shown to have greater risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers are elucidating the mechanisms by which P. gingivalis contributes to the pathogenesis of arthritic and their related disorders. Upregulation of intestinal lipopolysaccharides and subsequent inflammation, as well as citrullination of alpha-enolase, which shares homology with human tissue α-enolase, are described mechanisms of autoimmunity. 

Oral bacterium P. gingivalis has been well-documented as a mediator of periodontal disease. Furthermore, hosts harboring this pathogen have been shown to have greater risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers are elucidating the mechanisms by which P. gingivalis contributes to the pathogenesis of arthritic and their related disorders. Upregulation of intestinal lipopolysaccharides and subsequent inflammation, as well as citrullination of alpha-enolase, which shares homology with human tissue α-enolase, are described mechanisms of autoimmunity. 

Sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) are electrolytes that affect most metabolic functions. They serve to maintain osmotic pressure and hydration of various body fluid compartments, body pH and regulation of heart and muscle functions. Electrolytes are also involved in oxidation-reduction reactions and participate in essential enzymatic reactions. Electrolytes can be affected by state of hydration. Hemolysis can result in falsely elevated K+.

Potassium is a primary intra-cellular element required for fluid balance, nerve activity and muscle activity.

Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte crucial for maintaining cellular function, nerve signaling, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. In a hair mineral analysis, potassium levels provide insight into adrenal activity, metabolic health, and overall electrolyte balance. Unlike serum potassium, hair potassium reflects longer-term trends in mineral retention and utilization.

The level of Potassium (K) in hair does not reflect nutritional status or dietary intake. However, hair K levels may provide clinically relevant information pertaining to adrenal function and/or electrolyte balance

Erythrocyte potassium levels uniquely reveal your total body potassium status. Potassium is an abundant mineral that helps keep normal water balance between the cells and body fluids. Muscle contractions, nerve impulses and blood pressure rely on availability of potassium.

Potassium is a primary intra-cellular element required for fluid balance, nerve activity and muscle activity.

The Potassium - Arterial marker on Labcorp's Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Panel measures the concentration of potassium ions (K+) in the arterial blood. Potassium is a critical electrolyte that plays a key role in maintaining cell function, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. It is also essential in regulating the body's acid-base balance and controlling the electrical activity of the heart. Abnormal potassium levels can indicate a range of conditions: elevated levels (hyperkalemia) may suggest kidney dysfunction, acidosis, or cellular injury, while low levels (hypokalemia) can occur due to conditions like excessive diuretic use, alkalosis, or gastrointestinal losses (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea). Monitoring arterial potassium levels is crucial for assessing overall electrolyte balance, cardiac health, and metabolic function.

Potassium (Plasma) is a vital electrolyte that helps regulate nerve signals, muscle contractions (including the heart), and fluid balance in the body. It plays a key role in maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall cellular function.

Normal Range:

3.4 – 4.8 mmol/L

What Do Abnormal Levels Mean?

• Low potassium (hypokalemia) can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, and, in severe cases, life-threatening complications. It may result from fluid loss (vomiting, diarrhea), certain medications (like diuretics), or underlying health conditions.

• High potassium (hyperkalemia) may cause muscle weakness, numbness, or dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. It’s often linked to kidney issues, medications that affect potassium balance, or excessive potassium supplementation.

Since potassium levels are tightly regulated by the kidneys, even small imbalances can be clinically significant. If your potassium level falls outside the normal range, follow up with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and next steps.