Porphyrins - blood

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X

Blood test

Uroporphyrin levels; Protoporphyrin levels; Porphyrins - total; Coproporphyrin levels

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: < 2 mcg/dl
• Protoporphyrin levels: 16 to 60 mcg/dl
• Uroporphyrin levels: < 2 mcg/dl

Note: mcg/dl = micrograms per deciliter

It is important to recognize that these reference ranges will vary between different laboratories depending upon the way the test is performed. Individual results must therefore be interpreted accordingly.

Increased levels of coproporphyrins may indicate:

• Congenital erythropoietic porphyria
• Sideroblastic anemia

Increased protoporphyrin levels may indicate:

• Infection
• Thalassemia
• Sideroblastic anemia
• Lead poisoning
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Erythropoietic anemia
• Increased erythropoiesis

Increased uroporphyrin levels may indicate:

• Congenital erythropoietic porphyria
• Erythropoietic protoporphyria

Review Date: 04/29/2005
Reviewed By: Frank A. Greco, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Biophysical Laborartory, The Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.