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What is pyrrole disorder / pyroluria?

Pyrroles are primarily normal by-products of hemoglobin synthesis. Pyrrole Disorder is an abnormality in biochemistry resulting in the overproduction of pyrrole molecules. Excess pyrroles have little or no function in the body and are effectively excreted in the urine. However, pyrroles have an affinity for zinc and vitamin B6. So, when pyrroles are elevated in the urine they deplete the body of vitamin B6 and zinc and represent a marker for functional deficiencies in vitamin B6 and zinc. A high incidence of pyrrole disorder is found in individuals on the autism spectrum, individuals with anxiety disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, aspergers, and ADHD.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include poor stress control, anxiety, mood swings, severe inner tension, addiction, episodic anger, and depression. The body having a severe deficiency in B6 and Zinc causes these symptoms.

How is pyrrole disorder diagnosed?

Pyroluria is diagnosed by performing a quantitative test, which measures pyrroles in the urine. When the testing is complete the results are reported with the following reference ranges. Optimal Range is 0-10 mcg/dl, Borderline Pyroluria is 10-15, Pyroluria is 15 and above. Also the concentration of urine should be taken into consideration when interpreting the KP results. The calculated kryptopyrrole compensates/corrects for how dilute or concentrated the urine specimen is. The actual kryptopyrrole is uncorrected/not calculated. The value for kryptopyrrole (KP) can vary quite a bit depending on concentration of the urine. We would recommend using the corrected value since it will be easier to follow changes in levels and to adjust your treatment. By using the corrected value for concentration of urine, you will be able to better assess the impact of your treatment. By following the changes, you will be able to correlate changes in your patient’s symptoms with changes in KP levels/dosages. You would also develop a better feel for patients who may have symptoms of pyroluria but are not pyroluric versus those who really are pyroluric.

How is pyroluria treated?

Pyroluria is corrected by supplementing vitamin B6, pyridoxine-5-phosphate, and zinc. Supplements should be complimented with vitamin C, vitamin E, and manganese. There are other factors of health that can effect these recommendations. There is not a one size fits all treatment plan. Patient history along with weight, age, and severity of symptoms all must be taken into consideration before moving forward with treatment.

How do I complete the Kryptopyrrole testing?

We will ship an at-home urine collection kit to you. You will need to follow the instructions to complete the collection and return the kit to our laboratory. We will then process your specimen and report the results within 3-5 business days of receiving your specimen.

What is the laboratory turn-around time on the kryptopyrrole testing?

From the day that we receive your kryptopyrrole specimen, you will receive your results no later than 3-5 business days later.

How long should I stay off my supplements prior to taking my Kryptopyrrole test?

If this is your intial diagnosis, then you should be off of all supplements/vitamins and minerals 12-24 hours prior to the collection date of the specimen. You should not refrain from supplements longer than 24 hours.

Can testing be covered by my HSA/FSA account?

Yes, you can use your HSA/FSA cards and account to pay for testing and consulting services.

Can testing be covered by my health insurance?

Yes, DHA can accept your insurance if your testing is ordered by a licensed practitioner who provides diagnostic coding.

How long do results take?

Kryptopyrrole results will be reported no later than 3-5 business days from the day we receive your kryptopyrrole specimen.

All other testing may vary. Please contact our lab if you need further clarification.

Do you provide a receipt that can be submitted to insurance for a reimbursement?

Yes, our laboratory can provide a receipt for services rendered once testing is complete. The receipt for services rendered is formatted so that insurance companies accept the receipt. It contains all necessary information to receive reimbursement.

Can I get a refund?

Please contact our lab via e-mail at info@dhalab.com or by telephone (847) 222-9546, we’re open from 8am-5pm central time. We are able to process full refunds within 6 months of the purchase date when test materials can be returned to guarantee future use of testing does not occur.

What are your hours of service?

We are open from 8am-5pm central time.

Why do I get a disclaimer notice when I try to order tests?

We may not be able to offer a particular test in your regions, please an inquiry by email to info@dhalab.com.

How old do I need to be to order labs on myself?

A patient must be at least 18 years of age to order labs on themselves. We cannot service patients that are under the age of 18 without a responsible party. We will need a parent or guardian's consent to move forward with an order. Emancipated patients under the age of 18 can provide proof of emancipation to complete an order.