The University of Iowa (UIHC)
Department of Pathology
LABORATORY SERVICES HANDBOOK

Erythrocyte Porphyrin (EP)
Order Code: FEP
Order Form: A-1a Miscellaneous Request or IPR Req 		  Commercial "Mail-out" Laboratory
6240 RCP
356-3527 
Specimen
 
Whole Blood
Collection Medium:
Lavender top tube (EDTA) 


Alternate
Collection Media:


Pink top tube (EDTA sprayed), Royal Blue K2 EDTA tube


Minimum:


Recommended minimum:   1.0 mL whole blood from lavender top tube
Absolute minimum:      0.5 mL whole blood from lavender top tube


Delivery Instructions:


Wrap specimen in aluminum foil to protect from light.


Analytic Time:


4 working days


Reference Range:


0 - 35 mcg/dL


Test
Limitations:


Elevated Erythrocyte Porphyrin (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.

Specimens which are hemolyzed, clotted, or improperly aliquoted may 
show false elevations.


Methodology:


Extraction/Fluorometry


CPT Code:


84202




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Updated: 05/15/2007

Note: The information contained in this handbook is  
            for use by personnel of University of Iowa Health Care. 
            No other use is implied or intended.