This is a Non CMBS test (not covered by medicare), patient will receive a bill directly from Pathology Queensland ($30 current price as of 24/08/2017)
Note: This is a Non-CMBS item, and subsequently a charge will apply to the of patient of approximately $30. (current as of 24/08/2017). Testing is currently performed weekly on Thursday with results available the next day.
Conflicting results have been published regarding the use of EPO levels in the differential diagnosis of "polycythaemia". In the presence of an increased red cell mass, an elevated s-EPO value indicates that the high red cell count is due to chronic stimulation of the marrow by the hormone, EXCLUDING the condition polycythaemia vera (PV), where a LOW s-EPO value is expected. A normal value in an individual case of "polycythaemia" can not rule out secondary erythrocytosis, however; in this group of patients with "polycythaemia", EPO levels overlap to such an extent that a single EPO value can not always distinguish between PV and secondary erythrocytosis. (The JAK2 PCR test is now available and is positive in ~100% of patients with PV, confirming the diagnosis.) Current Reference Range as of 01/06/2018 is (4-32 mIU/mL).