The Porphobilinogen (PBG) test is used to measure the level of porphobilinogen, a precursor in the heme synthesis pathway. Abnormal accumulation of PBG is associated with a group of rare metabolic disorders known as porphyrias.
Elevated PBG levels are particularly indicative of acute porphyrias, which can cause symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, neurological disturbances, and sensitivity to light.
The purpose of this test is to