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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPO)

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2235    Geisinger Epic ID:  44134

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Serum


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

1 mL serum; minimum 0.5 mL


Special notes: 

Due to diurnal variation, it is recommended that specimens be collected between 7:30 am and noon.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Centrifuge and aliquot.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 10 days. Refrigerated: 18 days. Frozen: 28 days.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  82668
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Methodology: 
Immunoassay
Synonyms: 

Quest test code 427, ERPO


Clinical significance: 

Elevated levels of serum erythropoietin (EPO) occur in patients with anemias due to increased red cell destruction in hemolytic anemia and also in secondary polycythemias associated with impaired oxygen delivery to the tissues, impaired pulmonary oxygen exchange, abnormal hemoglobins with increased oxygen affinity, constriction of the renal vasculature, and inappropriate EPO secretion caused by certain renal and extrarenal tumors. Normal or depressed levels may occur in anemias due to increased oxygen delivery to tissues, in hypophosphatemia, and in polycythemia vera


Review Date:  12/04/2024

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