Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin
Brown clotted serum, gel barrier
| Test | Erythropoietin |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | EPO |
| Profile | |
| Clinical Indication | This test measures the amount of erythropoietin in the blood. Erythropoietin is a hormone produced mainly by the kidneys. It is produced and released into the bloodstream if the blood oxygen levels are low (hypoxaemia).The results may help distinguish between polycythaemia vera and secondary polycythaemia or between different types of anaemia. It also shows whether the amount of erythropoietin being produced is appropriate to the level of anaemia present. |
| Specimen Type | Blood |
| Sample Type | Brown clotted serum, gel barrier |
| Minimum Volume | 0.5 - 1.0 mL |
| Special Precautions | State most recent Hb & PCV |
| Stability | 24 hrs (store overnight samples at 4C if necessary) |
| Turnaround Time | 4 weeks |
| Laboratory | Blood Sciences Leeds St James University Hospital |
| Reference Interval | Reference range printed on final report. |
| Limitations | Freeze-thaw cycles can degrade EPO rapidly |
| Additional Information |
