Protoporphyrins, Total, RBC
Test Mnemonic
PROPOR
CPT Codes
- 84202 - QTY (1)
Aliases
- Erythrocyte Porphyrins
- Porphyrins, Erythrocyte
Performing Laboratory
ARUP
FDA Category
Laboratory Developed Test
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | Whole blood | EDTA (Royal blue) | Refrigerated | Protect specimen from light during collection, storage, and shipment. Transfer 1 mL whole blood to an amber transport tube. Specimens not protected from light will be run with a disclaimer. |
Alternate Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | Whole blood | EDTA (Lavender) | Refrigerated | Protect specimen from light during collection, storage, and shipment. Transfer 1 mL whole blood to an amber transport tube. Specimens not protected from light will be run with a disclaimer. |
Minimum Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mL |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 month |
Days Performed
Mon, Wed, Sat
Turnaround Time
2 - 5 days
Methodology
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Fluorometry (FLM) |
Reference Range
| Protoporphyrin | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | Age From | Age To | Type | Range | Range Unit |
| Normal | 0 - 35 | ug/dL |
Special Info
Lead testing should be performed FIRST to avoid potential contamination issues. Protect from light. Specimens not protected from light will be acceptable with a disclaimer. Specimens not collected in EDTA will be rejected. Clotted specimens are unacceptable. This test is New York DOH approved.
Clinical Info
Useful as a screen for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) in patients with cutaneous photosensitivity. Elevated EP results are seen in early and late iron deficiency, in the anemia of chronic disease, and in chronic lead poisoning (typically when blood lead is > 25 µg/dL). Elevated protoporphyrin (as in erythropoietic protoporphyria) and zinc coproporphyrin (usually associated with childbirth) can increase the apparent EP signal. A more specific test for free protoporphyrin is Porphyrins, Serum Total (SPORPH). Hemolyzed, clotted, or improperly aliquoted specimens may show false elevations. If testing for an acute porphyria, please consider ordering PBG, Screen (SQUPBG). If testing for a cutaneous porphyria, please consider ordering Porphyrins, Urine (SQUPORFR). If testing for erythropoietic porphyria, please consider ordering Total Erythrocyte Porphyrins (SQPROPOR).