Erythrocyte protoporphyrin test for occupational lead exposure.

Determination of erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels was performed in workers who are occupationally exposed to lead. The level of erythrocyte protoporphyrin was easily measured with microsamples of blood by utilizing a fluorescent assay. The log of erythrocyte protoporphyrin level was closely correlated to blood lead level (r = .72) in lead-exposed workers. The erythrocyte protoporphyrin test is especially useful in the detection of mild increases in blood lead concentration under conditions of occupational exposure.