Erythropoeitin test

ERYTHROPOEITIN TEST

DESCRIPTION – the erythropoietin test measures the amount of a hormone called erythropoietin in blood. The hormone tells stem cells in the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. EPO is made by cells in the kidney. These cells release more EPO when blood oxygen level is low

METHODOLOGY – quantitative chemiluminiscent immunoassay

TURN AROUND TIME – within 24 hours

SPECIMEN REQUIERED –

COLLECT – serum separator tube or plasma separator tube

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – allow serum to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 ml of serum to transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated

STABILITY – ambient: 8 hours; refrigerated: 2 weeks; frozen: 1 month

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – bone marrow aspirate. EDTA plasma. Hemolyzed specimens

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory