The directory only contains the names of laboratories which offer a diagnostic service and does not include research laboratories. In this rapidly expanding field we advise contacting individual laboratories and finding out what particular genetic studies are available. The directory is indexed by country. Ideally the laboratory named offers a complete service including a wide range of assays, interpretation of results, investigation of latent porphyria in affected families, genetic counselling and clinical backup. However in some countries this level of service is not yet available and the best service available is listed.
Some countries have more than one laboratory listed.
Laboratories were nominated for inclusion in this directory by the IFCC representatives in that country and by various Porphyria Reference Laboratories. It is hoped that at least one laboratory in each country will have, or develop, the range of assays and facilities required to enable provision of a complete Porphyria Reference Laboratory service. Complete information was not received from all nominated laboratories. We hope this will be available for subsequent editions. The turnaround time is the maximum number of days taken from the time of receipt of the sample until the result is available.