March 6, 2015,
Porphyrins - Blood
Porphyrins are a group of chemicals that help form many important substances in the body, including hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood.
This article discusses the test to measure the total amount of porphyrins in your blood.
See also: Porphyrins - urine
Back to TopAlternative Names
Protoporphyrin levels; Porphyrins - total; Coproporphyrin levels; PROTO test
Back to TopHow the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture
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 (PROTO)
Protoporphyrin is normally found in the highest amount. More tests are needed to show the levels of specific porphyrins.
Back to TopHow to Prepare for the Test
You should not eat for 12 - 14 hours before this test. You may drink water right before the test. Failure to follow these restrictions may affect the test results.
Back to TopHow the Test Will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Back to TopNormal Results
This 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:
- Total porphyrin levels: 16 to 60 mcg/dL
- Coproporphyrin levels:
- Protoporphyrin levels: 16 to 60 mcg/dL
- Uroporphyrin levels:
Note: mcg/dL = micrograms per deciliter
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
Back to TopWhat Abnormal Results Mean
Increased levels of coproporphyrins may be a sign of:
Increased protoporphyrin levels may be a sign of:
- Anemia of chronic disease
- Congenitalerythropoietic protoporphyria
- Increased erythropoiesis
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Lead poisoning
- Sideroblastic anemia
- Variegate porphyria
Increased uroporphyrin levels may be a sign of:
- Congenital erythropoietic porphyria
- Porphyria cutanea tarda
Back to TopRisks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient 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:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Back to TopReferences
Anderson KE. The porphyrias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine . 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 229.
Wiley JS, Moore MR. Heme biosynthesis and its disorders: porphyrias and sideroblastic anemias. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr., Shattil SJ, et al, eds. Hoffman Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008:chap 38.
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