Protoporphyrin levels; Porphyrins - total; Coproporphyrin levels; PROTO test DefinitionPorphyrins help form many important substances in the body. One of these is hemoglobin. This is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood. Porphyrins can be measured in the blood or the urine. This article discusses the blood test. How the Test is PerformedA blood sample is needed. The sample is then placed in ice and taken immediately to the laboratory. Three porphyrins can normally be measured in small amounts in human blood. They are:
Protoporphyrin is normally found in the highest amount. More tests are needed to show the levels of specific porphyrins. How to Prepare for the TestYou should not eat for 12 to 14 hours before this test. You may drink water right before the test. Your test results may be affected if you do not follow these instructions. How the Test will FeelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away. Why the Test is PerformedThis test is used to diagnose porphyrias. This is a group of rare disorders often passed down through family members. It may also be used along with other tests to diagnose lead poisoning and certain nervous system and skin disorders. Normal ResultsThis test specifically measures total porphyrin levels. But, reference values (a range of values seen in a group of healthy people) for the individual components are also included:
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results. What Abnormal Results MeanIncreased levels of coproporphyrins may be a sign of:
An increased protoporphyrin level may be a sign of:
An increased uroporphyrin level may be a sign of:
RisksThere is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:
ReferencesAmerican porphyria foundation website. Tests for Porphyria Diagnosis. porphyriafoundation.org/for-patients/about-porphyria/testing-for-porphyria/tests-for-porphyria-diagnosis/. Accessed March 27, 2023. Fuller SJ, Wiley JS. Heme biosynthesis and its disorders: porphyrias and sideroblastic anemias. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 39. | |
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Review Date: 2/2/2023 Reviewed By: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Monsey, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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Blood test
