ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP), Whole Blood : 0020605

Mnemonic: ZPP

Methodology: Quantitative Hematofluorometry
Performed: Mon-Fri
Reported: 1-4 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Lavender (EDTA); Royal blue, (EDTA), tan (EDTA), or pink (K2 EDTA). Use royal blue (EDTA) tube when also testing for lead.

Specimen Preparation: Transport 1 mL whole blood. (Min: 0.2 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Specimens not collected in EDTA. Clotted, frozen, or hemolyzed specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 30 hours; Refrigerated: 5 weeks; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval:
0-69 µmol ZPP/ mol Hem
Note: Elevated ZPP results are seen in early and late iron deficiency, the anemia of chronic disease, chronic lead poisoning, and erythropoietic protoporphyria.  Elevated bilirubin or riboflavin and hemolyzed, clotted, or improperly aliquoted specimens may falsely increase the ZPP concentration.


A more specific test for free protoporphyrin is Porphyrins, Serum Total (0080429).  Erythrocyte Porphyrin (EP), Whole Blood (0020610), measures free protoporphyrin and zinc protoporphyrin.
CPT Code(s): 84202
Cross References: Porphyrins (Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP), Whole Blood), Protoporphyrin (Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP), Whole Blood), ZPP (Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP), Whole Blood)