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Protoporphyrins Test

The protoporphyrins test measures levels of heme synthesis precursors in your blood. As part of comprehensive health assessment, this test helps identify potential disruptions in heme production that may be related to iron status, lead exposure, or porphyria.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

No established reference range

The assay is undetermined (zinc protoporphyrin, total blood protoporphyrin or erythrocyte protoporphyrin IX, in incompatible units) and the linked LOINC code is wrong; no interval can be stated until the assay is confirmed.

Unit: nmol/l

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Protoporphyrins: what this test measures

This test measures the level of protoporphyrins in your blood. Protoporphyrins are intermediate compounds in the pathway that produces heme, which is essential for oxygen transport by red blood cells.

Protoporphyrins: why this value matters

Abnormal protoporphyrin levels can indicate disruptions in heme synthesis, which may be associated with conditions such as iron deficiency, lead exposure, or porphyria. This test can help your healthcare provider investigate the underlying cause.

Protoporphyrins: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €68,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Protoporphyrins: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing may be recommended when iron deficiency or lead exposure is suspected, when investigating symptoms of porphyria, or as part of occupational health screening. Consult a healthcare professional for interpretation of results.

Protoporphyrins: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Low protoporphyrin levels are not typically a cause for concern and generally indicate normal heme synthesis. Consult a healthcare professional for interpretation of results.

High Levels

Elevated protoporphyrin levels may indicate lead poisoning, iron deficiency, or porphyria. Symptoms that can be associated with these conditions include abdominal pain, fatigue, skin sensitivity to light, and neurological changes.

Protoporphyrins: lifestyle and this value

If elevated protoporphyrins are related to iron deficiency, your healthcare provider may recommend dietary adjustments including iron-rich foods. Minimize exposure to environmental lead sources. Follow up with your healthcare provider for ongoing monitoring.

Protoporphyrins: frequently asked questions

What are protoporphyrins used for in the body?

Protoporphyrins are essential building blocks for heme, the iron-containing component of hemoglobin that carries oxygen in your blood. They are a normal part of the heme production pathway.

Can iron deficiency cause elevated protoporphyrins?

Yes, when iron is insufficient, protoporphyrins can accumulate because they cannot be combined with iron to form heme. This is why elevated protoporphyrins can be an indicator of iron deficiency.

Is this test related to lead exposure screening?

Yes, lead interferes with heme synthesis, causing protoporphyrins to accumulate. Elevated levels, particularly zinc protoporphyrins, can be associated with lead exposure and may be used as a screening tool.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

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SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
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Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Albumin ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Total Protein Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect)
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Complete Blood Count (CBC) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) Leptin Zinc Selenium Iodine Copper Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Free T4 (Thyroxine) GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
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Medical reviewer

Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
Welzijn en Sport Official BIG registration BIG 49928676701 Opens in a new tab

Protoporphyrins

€68,-