Thrombopoietin (TPO) – Serum or Plasma Concentration
This test measures the level of thrombopoietin, a protein that plays a key role in stimulating the production of platelets, the blood cells responsible for clotting.
["Thrombopoietin helps regulate platelet counts and may be checked if you have low platelet levels or bleeding disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43237-7
- Short code
- Thrombopoietin PPP IA-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Thrombopoietin PPP IA-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- plasma
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like easy bruising, prolonged bleeding, or unusually low platelet counts. It can also be used to monitor conditions affecting platelet production, such as certain cancers or blood disorders, or to assess response to treatments like chemotherapy or medications that lower platelet counts.
How the Test Works
Thrombopoietin is measured using an immunoassay method, which detects the protein in your blood sample. This test helps assess whether your body is producing enough of this protein to maintain healthy platelet levels.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then separated into serum (if clotted) or plasma (if anticoagulated) for testing. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or supplements that could affect platelet counts. If you have a history of bleeding disorders or are on blood-thinning medications, let your provider know.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated thrombopoietin levels may indicate conditions like liver disease (where the liver produces excess TPO) or certain cancers affecting platelet production. Low levels can suggest deficiencies in platelet production, such as myelodysplastic syndromes or severe infections. Monitoring TPO levels helps guide treatment decisions for conditions like chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia.
Short name
TPO Level
Frequently asked questions
What Does a High or Low TPO Level Mean?
How Often Will I Need This Test?
Can I Take Anything Before the Test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy