Sign in →

Epic Code LAB1231282 Erythropoietin

Important Note

Corewell Health Laboratory East

Clinical Information

Several tumors (i.e., hemangioblastoma of cerebellum, pheochromocytoma, hepatoma, leiomyomas, nephroblastoma, renal cysts and renal adenocarcinoma) may produce erythropoietin, causing an unexplained polycythemia. The erythropoietin assay aids in the diagnosis of obscure anemias, the anemia of end stage renal disease, and can be useful in the investigation of other types of anemia.

Collection Instructions

Container(s): Gold top (Serum Separator SST) 

Preferred Volume to Collect: 5 mL

Minimum Volume to Collect: 2 mL

Collection Instructions:

  • After collection, gently invert tube 8-10 times.
  • Specimen should be processed within 2 hours – See Processing Instructions below.

 

PROCESSING INSTRUCTIONS (Laboratory, Outpatient or Off-site collection)

Processed Specimen: Serum

Centrifuge/Spin: Yes

Aliquot: Yes

Processing Instructions:

  • Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells.
  • Refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the centrifuged collection tube within two hours of collection. (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)
  • S/PO/F

Specimen Transport Temperature

Frozen

 

Rejection Criteria

  • Plasma specimens.
  • Severely lipemic, icteric, or grossly hemolyzed specimens.

Specimen Stability

Centrifuged SST Tubes and Microtainers® with Separator Gels

  • Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
  • Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 48 hours
  • Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable


Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)

  • Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
  • Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 48 hours
  • Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 6 months


Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

  • Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Test Frequency

Tuesday, Friday.
Results available within 3 business days.

Reference Range

4.5-29.0 mU/mL.

 

Interpretation

 

As the hematocrit is lowered by nutritional, aplastic, or hemolytic anemias, the concentration of erythropoietin increases. In the absence of anemia, elevated concentrations of erythropoietin are seen with renal tumors, as a manifestation of renal transplant rejection and in secondary polycythemia.

Decreased levels of erythropoietin are observed in hemochromatosis, polycythemia rubra vera and in patients with HIV infection who are anemic and being treated with AZT.

Performing Department

REFERRAL SEND OUTS - Corewell Health Reference Laboratory, West

Immunology - Royal Oak Special Testing Laboratory

Performing Department Laboratory Location

Royal Oak Special Testing Laboratory

Methodology

Chemiluminescent Immunoassay

CPT

82668

CDM Code

3018266801

Epic Test ID

 123010624

LOINC

15061-5

Reviewed Date

6/9/2023

Updated Date

10/2/2024 - Processing Instructions

10/24/2024 - Collection and Processing Instructions