SIMPLE FLUOROMETRIC ASSAY OF PROTOPORPHYRIN IN ERYTHROCYTES (EPP) AS A SCREENING-TEST FOR LEAD-POISONING

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 89  (3) , 659-665
Abstract
A simple microfluorometric procedure for the measurement of protoporphyrin in erythrocytes (EPP) is described. The technique, which can be performed in less than 4 min with portable equipment, utilizes 40 .mu.l of capillary blood and only 1 reagent (94% acidified ethanol) for the extraction. The results obtained by this micromethod are in close agreement with those of the ethyl acetate/hydrochloric acid double-extraction methods. The EPP concentration increases markedly when the blood Pb level is increased, and the test can be used to screen children for Pb poisoning. This new micromethod also gives reproducible results when dried blood spots on filter paper are used instead of liquid blood.

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