Urine from a child suspected of having lead poisoning has a red fluorescence under Wood's lamp.This finding is:
A) Inconsistent with lead poisoning because porphobilinogen does not fluoresce
B) Consistent with lead poisoning because coproporphyrin fluoresces under ultraviolet light
C) Consistent with lead poisoning only if uroporphyrin is also increased
D) Consistent only if protoporphyrin can be demonstrated using Ehrlich reagent

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The red fluorescence under Wood's lamp in urine is due to the presence of porphyrins, specifically coproporphyrin, which fluoresces under ultraviolet light. This finding is consistent with lead poisoning as lead inhibits the enzyme that is involved in the conversion of coproporphyrinogen to heme, leading to an accumulation of coproporphyrin in the urine.

Urine from a Child Suspected of Having Lead Poisoning Has