Serum/plasma free protein-bound porphyrins (total)
This test measures certain porphyrins—compounds involved in hemoglobin production—that are bound to proteins in your blood. It helps assess how well your body is producing healthy red blood cells.
["This test may help diagnose conditions affecting red blood cell production or iron metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109851-6
- Short code
- FSP Msmt PPP
- Synonyms
- FSP Msmt PPP
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or pale skin, which can sometimes signal problems with red blood cell production. It may also be used in cases suspected of porphyria—a group of rare genetic disorders that cause abnormal porphyrin production.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw, but this depends on your provider’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re taking to discuss with them beforehand.
How the Test Works
A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then analyzed to measure the levels of free protein-bound porphyrins in your serum or plasma.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range specific to your lab. Elevated levels may indicate conditions like erythropoietic protoporphyria or other metabolic disorders affecting porphyrin metabolism.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal results can signal underlying issues such as genetic disorders (e.g., porphyria), iron deficiency, or certain blood disorders. This test is often part of a broader evaluation when symptoms or lab findings suggest abnormal red blood cell production or metabolic disturbances.
Short name
Free protein-bound porphyrins
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated or low porphyrin levels?
Does this test require fasting?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy