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Test ID NEZPP Zinc Protoporphyrin, Blood

Useful For

Evaluating iron deficiency

 

Monitoring treatment and environmental intervention of chronic lead poisoning

Method Name

Hematofluorometry

Reporting Name

Zinc Protoporphyrin, B

Specimen Type

Whole blood

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Royal blue-top (EDTA) Vacutainer plastic trace element blood collection tube (catalog #368381: T183)

Acceptable: Tan-top (lead only) Becton-Dickinson tube (T615), Becton-Dickinson Microtainer (T174), or royal blue-top Monoject trace element blood collection tube (product #8881-307022)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. See Trace Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport in Special Instructions for complete instructions.

2. Send specimen in original tube.

Additional Information:

1. High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to interfere with most metals tests.

2. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.

3. If ordering the trace element blood collection tube from BD, order catalog #368381.

Forms:

1. Lead/Heavy Metals Reporting Form (T491) in Special Instructions

2. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/benign-hematology-test-request-form.pdf)

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Whole blood Refrigerated 14 days

Clinical Information

The porphyrins are intermediaries in the heme synthesis pathway. When iron is not available for heme synthesis (eg, iron deficiency), zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) accumulates within RBCs. Lead inhibits several enzymes in the heme synthesis pathway and causes increased levels of RBC ZPP.

 

ZPP is a biological marker of lead toxicity and was previously used, in conjunction with blood lead assays, to screen for lead poisoning in children. However, because of poor sensitivity and specificity, ZPP is no longer recommended for lead screening in children. However, ZPP remains a useful tool for monitoring treatment of individuals with confirmed elevated lead levels.

Reference Values

<70 mcmol ZPP/mol heme

Cautions

High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to interfere with most metals tests. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, it is suggested a specimen not be collected for 96 hours.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday; 5 pm

Report Available

1 day

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

84202

NY State Approved

Yes