Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP) Blood Test

Also Known As

ZPP, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) blood test, ZP test, ZPP/heme ratio  

Purpose of the Zinc Protoporphyrin Blood Test

Your physician will order a ZPP blood test to evaluate chronic lead exposure and iron deficiency.

What Does the Zinc Protoporphyrin Test Measure?

The ZPP test measures zinc protoporphyrin or ZPP, a substance formed when heme is produced. Heme is the precursor to hemoglobin – a significant part of the red blood cell (RBC) that transport oxygen in the body.

Zinc protoporphyrin is typically found in small amounts in the blood. However, its concentration increases with high exposure to lead and when serum iron is insufficient. Thus, a ZPP blood test often becomes part of an immediate medical intervention against lead poisoning or regular work hazard monitoring. Also, it goes hand-in-hand with a lead blood test.

Among children and pregnant women, it’s often used to help screen for iron deficiency anemia together with other tests, such as the TIBC blood test, anemia profile blood test, and a comprehensive iron profile test.

Who Should Take a Zinc Protoporphyrin Blood Test?

People who work closely with lead (manufacturing, construction, and related industries) should consider getting tested to measure their exposure to the element. More so if the following symptoms of lead poisoning are observed.

• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Weight loss
• Constipation
• Hearing loss
• manufacturing, construction, and related industries
• Abdominal pain
• Pica (eating non-food items)

Furthermore, take a ZPP test if you experience signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, which include:

• Pale skin
• Chest pain
• Brittle nails
• Sore tongue
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Cold hands and feet
• Headaches and dizziness
• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Unusual cravings for inedible items
• Loss of appetite (infant and children)

ZPP Blood Test Preparation

No special preparation is necessary before the blood sample collection.

ZPP Lab Test Results

Test values that exceed 35 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) suggest high levels of lead, which prevents heme production. Below this figure, ZPP levels are considered normal. However, the reference range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory. Therefore, it’s best to check the assigned reference interval for accurate comparison.

Where Can I Get a ZPP Blood Test Done Near Me?

You can get the ZPP test through the following steps.

Step 1: Hover over to our website’s heavy metal testing section, and order the ZPP blood test. Then, download the lab test order, which will serve as your doctor’s order for when you take the test.

Step 2: Select your preferred partner medical center through our lab locator.

Step 3: Head to the laboratory you chose and had your blood collected.

Step 4: Expect the lab test results within 2-10 business days in your Personalabs account.

For an exact turnaround time for results, don’t hesitate to contact us at 1-888-438-5227. We will contact the lab of your choice (Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp) as turnaround times vary depending on testing location or lab testing provider.