Serum Porphyrins Test – Indications, Procedures, Results

Last updated: February 8, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 2 min read

Protoporphyrin levels; Porphyrins — total; Coproporphyrin levels; PROTO test

Porphyrins help form many important substances in the body. One of these is hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood.

Porphyrins can be measured in the blood or urine. This article discusses the blood test.

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed.

The sample is then placed in ice and taken immediately to the laboratory. Three porphyrins can normally be measured in small amounts in human blood. They are:

Coproporphyrin
Protoporphyrin (PROTO)
Uroporphyrin

Protoporphyrin is normally found in the highest amount. More tests are needed to show the levels of specific porphyrins.

How to Prepare for the Test

You should not eat for 12 to 14 hours before this test. You may drink water right before the test. Your test results may be affected if you do not follow these instructions.

How the Test will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is used to diagnose porphyrias . This is a group of rare disorders often passed down through family members.

It may also be used along with other tests to diagnose lead poisoning and certain nervous system and skin disorders.

Normal Results

This test specifically measures total porphyrin levels. But, reference values (a range of values seen in a group of healthy people) for the individual components are also included:

Total porphyrin levels: 0 to 1.0 mcg/dL (0 to 15 nmol/L)
Coproporphyrin level: < 2 mcg/dL (<30 nmol/L)
Protoporphyrin level: 16 to 60 mcg/dL (0.28 to 1.07 Âµmol/L)
Uroporphyrin level: < 2 mcg/dL (<2.4 nmol/L)

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Increased levels of coproporphyrins may be a sign of:

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria
Hepatic coproporphyria
Sideroblastic anemia
Variegate porphyria

An increased protoporphyrin level may be a sign of:

Anemia of chronic disease
Congenital erythropoietic protoporphyria
Increased erythropoiesis
Infection
Iron deficiency anemia
Lead poisoning
Sideroblastic anemia
Thalassemia
Variegate porphyria

An increased uroporphyrin level may be a sign of:

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria
Porphyria cutanea tarda

Risks

Veins and arteries vary in size so taking a blood sample may be harder in some people than others.

Other slight risks of having blood drawn may include:

Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling lightheaded
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.