Delta Aminolevulinic Acid (DALA) is the first compound in the porphyrin synthesis pathway, which leads to hemoglobin. This test is used to diagnose porphyria, lead intoxication, chronic alcoholic disorders, and diabetic ketoacidosis. INCREASED levels of urinary DALA may indicate lead poisoning or porphyria. DECREASED levels may occur with chronic liver disease.
Instruct the patient to void at 8 a.m. and discard the specimen. Then collect all urine including the final specimen voided at the end of the 24 hrs collection period (i.e., 8 a.m. the next morning). Measure and record total 24 hrs urine volume.
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