Frequently Asked Questions
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 10-20, Pyroluria is 20 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 may be complimented with vitamin C, vitamin E, and manganese. 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. We offer a complimentary clinical consultation regarding testing results with Albert Mensah M.D. or Judith Bowman M.D. They are original Pfeiffer trained doctors, and practice out of Mensah Medical.
Who can order testing?
All of our tests can be ordered patient direct. Qualified practitioners are eligible to receive additional information regarding treatment and test result interpretation at no additional cost. Please contact our laboratory by telephone or email if you would like to set up account ordering for your practice, or if you are looking for to place an order that you may have questions about.
Who can an order a metabolic panel?
Patients and practitioners worldwide can order metabolic panels directly and receive results. Practitioners may be eligible for additional complimentary features to aid in ordering and treatment. Please contact our laboratory by telephone or email at firstname.lastname@example.org to gain more information.
Why choose the metabolic panel?
The Metabolic panel is the Pfeiffer/Walsh Module of laboratory testing. This panel of testing will give practitioners and patients a more thorough understanding of nutrients critical to brain health.
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 7 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 7 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 48 hours prior to the collection date of the specimen. If you are monitoring the effectiveness of your supplementation, stay on your supplements/vitamins and minerals i.e. continue to take your supplements as directed.
How do I complete the Metabolic Panel?
If you are located in the U.S., or will be having your blood drawn in the U.S.,your shipment will contain a kryptopyrrole test kit and paperwork necessary to complete the blood draw portion of the panel. The paper work will include convenient Laboratory Corporation of America patient service centers for your blood draw. Directions on how to complete the blood draw, and a laboratory order form that must be presented at the laboratory. The blood draw will be completed at the Lab Corp patient service center. As for the kryptopyrrole, you will follow the instructions provided and return the specimen to our lab for testing. We will test the urine kryptopyrrole upon receiving the specimen and report the results within 7 business days. Please call our lab at 847-222-9546 or email us at email@example.com to inquire about International ordering.
How can I purchase a blood draw through your laboratory in Illinois when I am located in another state?
We are an affiliate partner or Laboratory Corporation of America. Our patients are able to use over 1000 patient service centers nationwide to complete testing. Even though our blood testing is performed by Laboratory Corporation of America, our specimen methodologies and blood draw requirements remain unique to the Pfeiffer/Walsh Model. This creates results that are interpreted based on Functional Ranges that are specific to the Pfeiffer/Walsh Model. Testing purchased through our laboratory is highly discounted. Our goal is provide affordable, high quality testing.
Why would I purchase the same laboratory test from you that I could purchase directly through Laboratory Corporation of America?
Premier doctors exclusively use our laboratory for testing due to the reduced cost and interpretation of functional ranges used in treating biochemical imbalances. Testing purchased through our laboratory is highly discounted to patients and practitioners. though our blood tests are performed by Laboratory Corporation of America, our specimen methodologies and requirements remain unique to the Pfeiffer/Walsh Model. This creates results that are interpreted in Functional Ranges that are specific to the Pfeiffer/Walsh Model. Laboratory Corporation of America has actually created test codes that are specific to our account to meet our testing requirements.