An improved method for quantitative determination of urinary porphyrins by use of second-derivative spectroscopy.

An improved assay for quantification of urinary porphyrins by use of second-derivative spectroscopy is described. A new method for calculation of the porphyrin concentration is developed and the whole procedure is computerized. Acidified urine samples can be assayed within a few minutes by using this method. Precision and recoveries for both uro- and coproporphyrin are good. The method is presented as a very fast and accurate assay for the screening and quantification of urinary porphyrins.