Test Directory

This test is intended as an aid in the diagnosis of anemias and polycythemias. With the advent of the administration of recombinant erythropoietin as a biologic therapy to increase red blood cell mass, an erythropoietin assay may be used also to aid in the prediction and monitoring of response to recombinant erythropoietin treatment of anemia.

Specimen Type: Serum

Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Plain

Desired Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

1. Collect a gold top, serum separator tube via venipuncture

1. Separate serum from cells.
2. Transfer 0.5 mL of serum to a clear aliquot tube (screw cap).

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 

See patient report.

Erythropoietin (EPO) levels alone cannot reliably distinguish between primary and secondary polycythemia; EPO levels are within normal limits in some patients with primary polycythemia.

People living at high altitudes may have higher EPO levels than people living at lower altitudes.

This assay cannot distinguish between endogenous and exogenous EPO.

There is some diurnal variation in EPO levels. For optimal results in serial patient monitoring, all specimens should be collected at the same time of day.

For assays employing antibodies, the possibility exists for interference by heterophile antibodies in the patient sample. Patients who have been regularly exposed to animals or have received immunotherapy or diagnostic procedures utilizing immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments may produce antibodies (eg, HAMA, that interfere with immunoassays). Additionally, other heterophile antibodies (such as human antigoat antibodies) may be present in patient samples. Such interfering antibodies may cause erroneous results. Carefully evaluate the results of patients suspected of having these antibodies.

Because results obtained with one commercial EPO assay may differ significantly from those obtained with another, it is recommended that serial testing performed on the same patient over time should be performed with the same commercial EPO test.

Lower EPO levels than expected have been seen in anemias associated with the following: rheumatoid arthritis, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, cancer, ulcerative colitis, sickle cell disease, and in premature neonates.