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Changes to Cheltenham A&E in response to industrial action

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Erythropoietin (EPO)

Chemical Pathology

Notes

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced mainly by the kidney, involved in the control of red blood cell production. Erythropoietin levels are indicated for:

  • Differential diagnosis of polycythaemia
  • Prior to consideration of EPO treatment in certain malignancies

Sample requirements

  • Haemoglobin level also required for result interpretation (EDTA tube for full blood count to Haematology Department)..

For adults, 5 ml of blood taken into a narrow gold top tube (or rust top for the Acute Unit)

5ml gold tube





Storage/transport

Do not store. Send at ambient temperature to the laboratory on the day of collection.

Required information

Relevant clinical details, including reason for the request and whether for diagnosis or monitoring of treatment.

Turnaround times

The samples are sent for analysis to King's College Hospital, London with results expected back within 2 weeks.

Reference ranges

EPO: 5-25 IU/L

N.B: Erythropoietin (EPO) results should be interpreted in conjunction with haemoglobin results.

Further Information

To learn more about erythropoietin visit Lab Tests Online

Page last updated 05/02/2019

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