Fluorescing erythrocytes and porphyrin screening tests on urine, stool, and blood. Investigation of photosensitivity

Abstract

Selected methods have been described for detecting an increase of porphyrins in the urine, stool, and blood. These methods are rapid and are particularly useful for use in out-patients or office practice to evaluate patients with sunlight sensitivity in whom porphyria is suspected. Also included are photomicrographs of fluorescing erythrocytes and a table giving examples of quantitative porphyrin values in stools, erythrocytes and urine that may be observed in different types of prophyria.