ERYTHROPOIETIN

Message

Erythropoietin is prone to diurnal variation. Best practice is to collect samples at a consistent time of day and recommended between 07:30 - 12:00 (noon). Centrifuge sample within 2 hours of collection.

Test Code

EPO

Alias/See Also

EPO

CPT Codes
82668

Preferred Specimen

1 Gold tube (gel separator)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

1 Green tube (Lithium Heparin)

Instructions

Centrifuge for complete separation of plasma or serum and red cells within 2 hours of collection.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

2-8°C up to 5 days
15-30°C up to 8 hours
Frozen samples are stable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolyzed

Methodology
Chemiluminescent immunoassay

Setup Schedule

M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun

Report Available

Within 24 hours of receipt at the performing laboratory.

Reference Range

2.59-18.50 mIU/ml

Clinical Significance

Elevated levels of serum EPO occur in patients with anemias due to increased red cell destruction, in hemolytic anemia, and also in secondary Polycythemias, and by certain renal and extrarenal tumors.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NCHB2 (Chemistry, Beckman DxI)

Last Updated: June 19, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.