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Zinc protoporphyrin test for checking lead exposure and iron deficiency anemia

Zinc Protoporphyrin Test — Lead Exposure & Iron Anemia

Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP)

  • Check for chronic lead exposure
  • Screen for iron deficiency anemia
  • Monitor red blood cell health
$189
First results as soon as overnight*

All results normal? Get your money back. First-time customers only. File a support ticket titled “Money Back Guarantee” with your order number within 15 days of receiving your results. STD, Sickle Cell, and gift orders aren’t eligible. Full terms apply. guarantee
No questions asked refunds
LegitScript certified

Prescription & all lab fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Doctor's guidance included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

Prescription & all lab fees included

Go directly to the lab, no extra fees

Doctor's guidance included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out

All results normal? Get your money back. First-time customers only. File a support ticket titled “Money Back Guarantee” with your order number within 15 days of receiving your results. STD, Sickle Cell, and gift orders aren’t eligible. Full terms apply. guarantee
No questions asked refunds
LegitScript certified

What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, weakness, or pale skin that could point to iron deficiency anemia. It's also useful if you work around lead (like in construction, manufacturing, or older housing) and want to check for chronic lead exposure. Because both conditions can build up slowly without obvious symptoms, this test helps catch problems early.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with the zinc protoporphyrin value and an explanation of what's considered a normal range. If your level is elevated, simple next steps might include improving iron intake through diet, reducing contact with potential lead sources, or retesting in a few months to track changes. You can download a standard lab report anytime from your account, and the trends feature lets you see how your levels shift over time if you test again later. If your result is very high, seek medical care promptly since that can signal serious lead exposure.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include ongoing tiredness, weakness, headaches, irritability, or trouble concentrating. People with iron deficiency may also notice pale skin, brittle nails, or shortness of breath during normal activity. If you've had possible contact with lead — through old paint, contaminated water, or certain jobs — even without symptoms, this test can help check for hidden exposure.

How can I naturally support healthy iron levels?
Eating iron-rich foods like lean red meat, spinach, beans, and fortified cereals can help boost your iron stores naturally. Pairing these foods with vitamin C sources, like citrus fruits or bell peppers, helps your body absorb iron better. Cutting back on coffee and tea around mealtimes is also helpful since they can block iron absorption. If lead exposure is a concern, reducing contact with old paint dust or contaminated soil is an important natural step too.
When will I get my results?
Results are typically ready within about 7 days after your sample is collected. Once processed, they'll be available securely in your online account, and you'll be able to view, download, and track them whenever you like.
Who should consider this test?
This test is a good fit for people with symptoms of anemia, those with known or suspected lead exposure, and workers in industries with regular lead contact. It's also worth considering for anyone living in older homes with lead paint or plumbing who wants peace of mind. People managing ongoing anemia treatment may also use it to monitor progress.
What is zinc protoporphyrin and why does it matter?
Zinc protoporphyrin is a substance that builds up in red blood cells when the body can't properly incorporate iron into hemoglobin, which can happen from either iron deficiency or lead interfering with the process. Measuring it gives insight into how well your body is making healthy red blood cells. It matters because untreated iron deficiency can lead to worsening fatigue, while ongoing lead exposure can cause serious long-term health issues.
What does a high zinc protoporphyrin result mean?
A high result usually means your body is having trouble making hemoglobin correctly, often due to low iron stores or lead interfering with red blood cell production. This doesn't automatically mean something dangerous, but it's worth following up with additional testing to pinpoint the cause. Simple lifestyle changes, like improving your diet or reducing lead exposure, are often the first step.
What causes high zinc protoporphyrin levels?
The two most common causes are iron deficiency, often from poor diet, blood loss, or increased needs during pregnancy, and chronic lead exposure from sources like old paint, contaminated water, or certain workplaces. Both conditions interfere with how the body builds healthy hemoglobin. Identifying the cause usually involves looking at your diet, health history, and possible environmental exposures.
How often should I retest?
If your first result was normal and you have no ongoing risk factors, retesting once a year or if new symptoms appear is usually enough. If you're actively addressing iron deficiency or reducing lead exposure, retesting every few months can help you track whether your levels are improving. People in high-exposure jobs may benefit from more frequent monitoring as recommended by workplace health guidelines.
How’s this work?
Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
  4. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at [email protected], and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at [email protected]. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
Do you accept health insurance?
Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected].

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email [email protected] and we'll gladly help you.

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Demo results
Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP) 85 mcg/dL RBC
Demo results
Low Normal (< 70 mcg/dL RBC) High
85 mcg/dL RBC

What this means

This result is above the normal range, suggesting your body may be having trouble making hemoglobin properly. This is often linked to iron deficiency or exposure to lead, both of which interfere with healthy red blood cell production.

* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More advanced tests may take longer due to complexity.
Here’s how easy it is to get blood work done on your terms
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Zinc Protoporphyrin Test — Lead Exposure & Iron Anemia

  • Check for chronic lead exposure
  • Screen for iron deficiency anemia
  • Monitor red blood cell health
$189
Still got questions? Text our super-cool support team at 754-799-7833 to get help finding your ideal checkup.
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For informational purposes only. Not medical advice.