Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP)

Haematology

---

Description

Haem is formed in the developing red cell by insertion of iron into a formed porphyrin ring.

In the event of insufficient iron supply or impaired iron utilisation, zinc is substituted for iron and inserted into the porphyrin ring.

The ZPP formed in the chelation process is stable and remains in the red cell for its 120 day life span.

The level of ZPP in the red cell is a functional indicator of the available iron supply or level of lead intoxication at the time of cell maturation.

The Protofluor Z fluorometer uses a quartz-halogen lamp and lens filter system to produce light at 415nm.

When exposed to this wavelength ZPP is excited and emits light at 595nm. The amount of light emitted at 595nm is directly proportional to the ZPP/Haem ratio.

The Protofluor reagent is used to fully oxygenate the sample and avoid falsely low results.

---

Indications

The ZPP is measured for use as an additional aid during haemoglobinopathy investigation to help differentiate Iron Deficiency from Alpha Thalassaemia Trait and will be automatically added in patients having a haemoglobinopathy screen with a Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH) of less than 27pg.

It is also available as a stand alone test to help assess Iron status.

---

Sample Type

Whole blood ( EDTA 4.0ml Lavender )

---

Reference Range

30-80 mol/mol Haem30-100 mol/mol Haem in Beta Thalassaemia trait patients

---

Turnaround Time

Within 1 Working Day

---

Testing Frequency

Monday - Friday.

---

External Notes

Abnormally elevated Bilirubin will create positive interference due to its spectral qualities.

Riboflavin may cause elevated results if greater than ten times normal serum concentration.

---

References

Helena Laboratories. ProtoFluor-Z Hematofluorometer Operator's Manual.

---

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.