This test measures total red blood cell porphyrins. Porphyrins are pigments found in both animal and plant life. They are involved in the formation of many important substances in the body including hemoglobin which carries oxygen in the blood. Coproporphyrin, protoporphyrin, and uroporphyrin are three porphyrins related to red blood cells that can normally be measured in small amount in the human blood stream. Protoporphyrin is normally found in highest quantity and thus this test is occasionally known as the PROTO test. Additional tests must be performed to know the levels of specific porphyrins.

Alternative Names

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