St Michael's Hospital Laboratory Medicine

Test Catalogue

Erythropoietin (EPO)
Clinical Utility EPO test is a valuable tool in diagnosing and managing conditions related to red blood cell production and kidney function. Its clinical utility includes: Investigating Polycythemia by differentiating between primary and secondary causes of an increased red blood cell count or insufficient red blood cell production (Anemia). Monitoring Treatment: Evaluates the effectiveness of treatments for anemia. Assessing Kidney Function: Low EPO levels can indicate kidney dysfunction, while high levels might suggest other conditions.
Specimen Type / Requirements Container Type = 1 Gold Top (SST) Minimum Testing Volume = 0.5mL serum Tube must fill to at least ½ or greater of its vacuum capacity
Specimen Handling Collection Instructions: Collect specimen in gold or red top tube. Allow samples to clot completely at room temperature prior to centrifugation. Due to diurnal variation, it is recommended that specimens be collected between 7:30am and noon. Write your initials, date and time of collection on the collection label. Laboratory Staff Instructions: Separate from cells within 2 hours of collection and store frozen. Rejection Criteria: Unlabeled, uncapped or leaking samples. Thaw samples no more than 3 times. Transportation: Send sample to core lab as soon as possible.
Stability

Erythropoietin (EPO)

Clinical Utility

EPO test is a valuable tool in diagnosing and managing conditions related to red blood cell production and kidney function. Its clinical utility includes:

Investigating Polycythemia by differentiating between primary and secondary causes of an increased red blood cell count or insufficient red blood cell production (Anemia).

Monitoring Treatment: Evaluates the effectiveness of treatments for anemia.

Assessing Kidney Function: Low EPO levels can indicate kidney dysfunction, while high levels might suggest other conditions.

Specimen Type / Requirements

Container Type = 1 Gold Top (SST)

Minimum Testing Volume = 0.5mL serum

Tube must fill to at least ½ or greater of its vacuum capacity

Specimen Handling

Collection Instructions: Collect specimen in gold or red top tube. Allow samples to clot completely at room temperature prior to centrifugation. Due to diurnal variation, it is recommended that specimens be collected between 7:30am and noon. Write your initials, date and time of collection on the collection label.

Laboratory Staff Instructions: Separate from cells within 2 hours of collection and store frozen.

Rejection Criteria: Unlabeled, uncapped or leaking samples. Thaw samples no more than 3 times.

Transportation: Send sample to core lab as soon as possible.

Stability

Ambient (15 to 30°C)	Refrigerated (2 to 8°C)	Frozen -20°C or lower
< 8 hours	24 hours	3 months

Turnaround Time (TAT)

24hrs

Required Documentation

Reference Value (mIU/mL)

Age	Male	Female
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

Test Code

EPO

Methodology

Two-site Immunoenzymatic

Testing Location

SMH - Biochemistry

Other Information

Last Updated: August 19, 2024