Which test is used for rapid screening of porphobilinogen in urine?

The Hoesch Screening Test is specifically designed for the rapid detection of porphobilinogen in urine, making it the appropriate choice for this question. Porphobilinogen is a key precursor in the biosynthesis of heme, and its presence in urine can indicate disorders related to porphyrin metabolism, such as acute intermittent porphyria.

The Hoesch test involves the addition of a reagent to urine that can chemically react with porphobilinogen, producing a color change that indicates a positive result. This test is quick and can yield results that help clinicians assess potential porphyria-related issues while awaiting more detailed diagnostic evaluations.

In contrast, the other tests listed serve different purposes. The Acetest is used to detect acetone and other ketones, which are not related to porphobilinogen. The sulfosalicylic acid test is primarily used for protein precipitation in urine to detect abnormal protein levels but does not detect porphobilinogen specifically. The Bence Jones protein test is used to identify monoclonal light chains in urine, which are associated with conditions like multiple myeloma, but again, it does not relate to porphobilinogen screening. Therefore, the Hoesch Screening Test stands out as