zinc protoporphyrin in erythrocytes (ZPP)

Indications

• indicator of iron-deficiency
• once widely used to screen for lead exposure in children, but is NOT reliable at lead (Pb) concentrations of < 250 ug/dL (0.40 umol/L)

Reference interval

• 17-77 ug/dL (0.27-1.23 umol/L)
• 30-80 umol zinc protoporphyrin/mol of heme

Increases

• clinical disorders
  • iron deficiency anemia
  • lead poisoning
  • mild iron-deficiency seen with inflammation or accelerated erythropoiesis
  • hyperbilirubinemia
• pharmaceutical agents
  • digitalis
  • riboflavin
• hemolysis
• interferences may be reduced by washing erythrocytes

Specimen

• whole blood (heparin or EDTA)
• store at 4 degrees C
• avoid hemolysis

More general terms

• protoporphyrin in erythrocytes

Additional terms

• protoporphyrin

Patient information

zinc protoporphyrin in erythrocytes (ZPP) patient information