Test Details
Methodology
Fluorometry
Result Turnaround Time
2 - 4 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
Monitor chronic industrial exposure to lead
Special Instructions
This test is for workplace monitoring. For nonworkplace monitoring, please order test 010170. Environmental and biological exposure indices (BEI) references will be listed on the report.1 For workplace exposure to lead, please refer to the BEI. Levels above the environmental exposure range are not always indicative of lead poisoning.
Note: This test is not intended for the evaluation of suspected porphyrias, including congenital erythropoietic porphyria. The Porphyrins, Evaluation, RBC test is intended for that purpose. This test is intended for the evaluation of suspected lead toxicity and iron deficiency anemia.
Limitations
Fluorescent substances in plasma may interfere with hematofluorometer results.2 Skin contamination may lead to false elevations. Both this test and blood lead are needed for full evaluation.3-5
Custom Additional Information
"Free" protoporphyrin is noncomplexed, nonheme protoporphyrin. Lead poisoning is also characterized by elevated plasma and urine δ-aminolevulinic acid and increased urinary coproporphyrin. Urinary porphobilinogen and uroporphyrin are normal to slightly increased.3 Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin is a sensitive test for lead toxicity or chronic exposure in adults. Erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels should not be used as a screening test for lead poisoning in children.4 The diagnosis of lead exposure or poisoning includes consideration of environmental exposure, as well as symptoms and abnormal erythrocyte protoporphyrin.
Increased lead absorption is reported in the presence of iron deficiency.5
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Whole blood
Volume
7 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Royal blue-top (EDTA) tube or tan-top lead-free tube; submit original tube.
Collection Instructions
Mix tube thoroughly to avoid clotting.
Reference Range
Occupational exposure:
• ZPP, blood: Adults: 0−99 μg/dL: BEI® (sampling time is after one month's exposure)
Storage Instructions
Room temperature. Stable for five days at room temperature or for seven days when refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Clotted specimen; frozen specimen; hemolyzed specimen; icteric specimen
References
Footnotes
LOINC® Map
Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
010180 | Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP) | 2895-1 | 012082 | Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP),OSHA | ug/dL | 2895-1 |
Order Code | 010180 | |||||
Order Code Name | Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP) | |||||
Order Loinc | 2895-1 | |||||
Result Code | 012082 | |||||
Result Code Name | Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP),OSHA | |||||
UofM | ug/dL | |||||
Result LOINC | 2895-1 |