ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Erythrocyte Porphyrin (EP), Whole Blood : 0020610

Mnemonic: FEP

Methodology: Extraction/Fluorometry
Performed: Mon, Wed, Sat
Reported: 1-4 days
Specimen Required: Collect:  One 6 mL royal blue (EDTA) or one 5 mL lavender or pink (K2EDTA).

Storage/Transport Temperature:  1 mL whole blood at 2-8°C. (Min: 0.5 mL)  Submit specimen in an ARUP Amber Transport Tube.  CRITICAL - protect from light.

Remarks:  CRITICAL - Protect from light during collection, storage, and shipment.  Use royal blue (Na2EDTA) tube when also testing for lead.  Specimen should be tested for lead FIRST to avoid potential contamination problems.

Unacceptable Conditions:  Clotted specimens.  Specimens not protected from light.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing):  Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 month
Reference Interval:
0-35 µg/dL
Note: Elevated EP results are seen in early and late iron deficiency, in the anemia of chronic disease, and in chronic lead poisoning (typically when blood lead is greater than 25 Elevated protoporphyrin (as in erythropoietic protoporphyria) and zinc coproporphyrin (usually associated with childbirth) can increase the apparent EP signal. A more specific test for free protoporphyrin is Porphyrins, Serum Total (0080429).  Specimens which are hemolyzed, clotted, or improperly aliquoted may show false elevations.
CPT Code(s): 84202
Cross References: FEP, Porphyrins, Whole Blood (FEP), Protoporphyrin, Free Erythrocyte (FEP)
 
 

 

 

 
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