Thin-layer chromatography of free porphyrins for diagnosis of porphyria.

In this simple thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) technique for evaluating porphyrin excretion, porphyrins are extracted from urine or feces, then separated on silica-gel TLC plates. The distinct porphyrin bands are observed by viewing the plates under long-wave fluorescent light. Positive screening tests can readily be confirmed or rejected, and a more comprehensive investigation confidently undertaken.