Erythropoietin (EPO)
Test Summary
Elevated levels of serum erythropoietin (EPO) occur in patients with anemias due to increased red cell destruction in hemolytic anemia and also in secondary polycythemias associated with impaired oxygen delivery to the tissues, impaired pulmonary oxygen exchange, abnormal hemoglobin's with increased oxygen affinity, constriction of the renal vasculature, and inappropriate EPO secretion caused by certain renal and extrarenal tumors. Normal or depressed levels may occur in anemias due to increased oxygen delivery to tissues, in hypophosphatemia, and in polycythemia vera.
Aliases
- EPO
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Due to diurnal variation, it is recommended that specimens be collected between 7:30 a.m. and noon.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 10 days
- Refrigerated: 18 days
- Frozen: 28 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
N/A
Order Code
ERYTH
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB171
Includes
N/A
CPT Code
- 82668
Billing Code
- 670400
- 670401
CPT Statement
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
Department
Reference Testing
Reference Range
| Male (mIU/mL) | Female (mIU/mL) | |
| <1 Year | Not established | Not established |
| 1-3 Years | 1.7-17.9 | 2.1-15.9 |
| 4-6 Years | 3.5-21.9 | 2.9-8.5 |
| 7-9 Years | 1.0-13.5 | 2.1-8.2 |
| 10-12 Years | 1.0-14.0 | 1.1-9.1 |
| 13-15 Years | 2.2-14.4 | 3.8-20.5 |
| 16-18 Years | 1.5-15.2 | 2.0-14.2 |
| >18 Years | 2.6-18.5 | 2.6-18.5 |
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; Report available: 2-4 days
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Due to diurnal variation, it is recommended that specimens be collected between 7:30 a.m. and noon.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 10 days
- Refrigerated: 18 days
- Frozen: 28 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
N/A
Result Information
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
| Male (mIU/mL) | Female (mIU/mL) | |
| <1 Year | Not established | Not established |
| 1-3 Years | 1.7-17.9 | 2.1-15.9 |
| 4-6 Years | 3.5-21.9 | 2.9-8.5 |
| 7-9 Years | 1.0-13.5 | 2.1-8.2 |
| 10-12 Years | 1.0-14.0 | 1.1-9.1 |
| 13-15 Years | 2.2-14.4 | 3.8-20.5 |
| 16-18 Years | 1.5-15.2 | 2.0-14.2 |
| >18 Years | 2.6-18.5 | 2.6-18.5 |
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; Report available: 2-4 days