Polymorphs — also reported as POLYS, neutrophils (%), or polymorphonuclear leukocytes — represent the proportion of neutrophils in your white blood cell differential count. The normal range is approximately 40–75%; a high percentage typically indicates the immune system is fighting a bacterial infection or responding to inflammation, while a low percentage is most often caused by a viral infection causing a relative rise in lymphocytes. The percentage alone does not tell the full story — the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) must also be evaluated to determine whether a true increase or decrease in neutrophil number exists.

Polys, also written as PMNs (polymorphonuclear leukocytes), are primarily neutrophils — the most abundant white blood cells in a healthy adult. In microbiology reports (gram stain, sputum culture, wound culture, urine analysis), PMNs are reported qualitatively: rare, few, moderate, many, heavy, or abundant. In blood tests (CBC), they appear as Polys% (percentage) or Polys Absolute Count. Their presence reflects the degree of immune response at a site of infection or inflammation. High PMN counts suggest bacterial infection; PMN presence in sputum also helps assess whether a sample is adequate for culture. PMNs do not require treatment on their own — they are a marker of the underlying condition.

The CSF PMN % biomarker refers to the percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), commonly known as neutrophils, found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). PMNs are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response, and their presence in CSF can indicate inflammation or infection within the central nervous system. Typically, CSF contains very few white blood cells, and a low PMN percentage is considered normal.

The Porphobilinogen Deaminase, Whole Blood test is used to a) confirm a diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) following a positive urine porphobilinogen (PBG) test and/or b) to evaluate disease risk in family members of an individual with a confirmed diagnosis of AIP.

Porphobilinogen deaminase, also known as uroporphyrinogen I synthase, is commonly confused with uroporphyrinogen III synthase, the enzyme deficient in congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP).

The porphyrias are a group of inherited disorders resulting from enzyme defects in the heme biosynthetic pathway. Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is caused by diminished erythrocyte activity of porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD), also known as uroporphyrinogen I synthase or hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS).

Onset of AIP typically occurs during puberty or later. Individuals may experience acute episodes of neuropathic symptoms.

Porphyrins are natural chemicals in the body that help form many important substances in the body. One of these is hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood.

Function of this test:

a) To monitor porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT)

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a rare disorder characterized by painful, blistering skin lesions that develop on sun-exposed skin (photosensitivity). Affected skin is fragile and may peel or blister after minor trauma. Liver abnormalities may also occur. 

b) To confirm diagnosis of suspected variegate porphyria (VP) 

Variegate porphyria (VP) is classified as both a cutaneous and an acute porphyria. It can present with chronic blistering cutaneous manifestations and/or acute attacks of neurovisceral manifestations that may become chronic.

c) To comfirm erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is an inherited porphyria resulting in the accumulation of protoporphyrins in red blood cells that causes acute, painful photosensitivity and potential liver disease. It typically presents in early childhood with immediate pain and crying upon exposure to bright sunlight.

Oral bacterium P. gingivalis has been well-documented as a mediator of periodontal disease. Furthermore, hosts harboring this pathogen have been shown to have greater risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers are elucidating the mechanisms by which P. gingivalis contributes to the pathogenesis of arthritic and their related disorders. Upregulation of intestinal lipopolysaccharides and subsequent inflammation, as well as citrullination of alpha-enolase, which shares homology with human tissue α-enolase, are described mechanisms of autoimmunity. 

Oral bacterium P. gingivalis has been well-documented as a mediator of periodontal disease. Furthermore, hosts harboring this pathogen have been shown to have greater risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers are elucidating the mechanisms by which P. gingivalis contributes to the pathogenesis of arthritic and their related disorders. Upregulation of intestinal lipopolysaccharides and subsequent inflammation, as well as citrullination of alpha-enolase, which shares homology with human tissue α-enolase, are described mechanisms of autoimmunity. 

The level of Potassium (K) in hair does not reflect nutritional status or dietary intake. However, hair K levels may provide clinically relevant information pertaining to adrenal function and/or electrolyte balance

Potassium is a primary intra-cellular element required for fluid balance, nerve activity and muscle activity.