Erythrocyte Porphyrin (EP), Whole Blood
Also known as: FEP
Use
This test is used to screen for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) in patients with cutaneous photosensitivity. Elevated erythrocyte porphyrin levels may indicate various conditions such as early and late iron deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, and chronic lead poisoning, particularly when blood lead levels exceed 25 µg/dL.
Special Instructions
Protect from light during collection, storage, and shipment. If the specimen is tested for lead, it should be tested first to avoid contamination. Specimens not protected from light are acceptable with a disclaimer. Hemolyzed, clotted, or improperly aliquoted specimens may show false elevations.
Limitations
The performance characteristics of this test have been determined by ARUP Laboratories; however, it has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This test is performed in a CLIA certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes. Elevated protoporphyrin and zinc coproporphyrin may increase the apparent EP signal, and a more specific test for free protoporphyrin is 'Porphyrins, Serum Total (0080429)'.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2898-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
ARUP Amber Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Collect using royal blue (EDTA), lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), or Tan (K2EDTA) tubes. Use the royal blue tube when also testing for lead.
Storage Instructions
Protect from light during collection, storage, and shipment. Refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens not collected in EDTA. Clotted specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 month |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant