Evaluation of Two Methods for Measuring δ-Aminolaevulinic Acid in Urine. II. The Influence of Some ‘Ehrlich-Positive’ Substances on the Measurements

Abstract

Published results and earlier personal findings made on comparison between the determinations of δ-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) in urine with the original and specific but time-consuming American method by Mauzerall & Granick and its recent simplified Polish modification by Grabecki et al. were confirmed. Thus, the latter method proved reliable, quick and cheap. But since it gives higher values than the American method, evaluation of the results must be revised. New normal values and limits of different ranges in the control of lead workers are suggested. Since Grabecki's modification does not eliminate disturbing substances, porfobilinogen (PBG), urobilinogen (UBG), p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), and sulfonamides, all Ehrlich-positive compounds, were studied for any influence on the results. The presence of PBG was found to result in false high values, while UBG, PAS, and sulfonamides had no effect on the analysis of ALA in the urine with the method of Grabecki et al. Mauzerall & Granick's method is therefore recommended for determination of ALA in populations in which porphyria acuta intermittens and porphyria variegata occur.

Key Words:

• δ-Aminolaevulinic acid
• p-aminosalicylic acid
• lead intoxication
• porfobilinogen
• sulfonamides
• urobilinogen