Growth Differentiation Factor 15
Label Mnemonic: GDF15
Epic code: LAB8786
Downtime form: A-1a Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery
Commercial Mailout Laboratory
6240-8 RCP
356-8593
Specimen(s):
Plasma
Specimen Instructions:
1. Draw blood into an EDTA or sodium heparin tube and centrifuged immediately.

2. Do not expose specimen to heat or direct sunlight.
Collection Medium:
Lavender top tube 3 mL (EDTA)
Minimum:
Preferred Minimum: 0.5 mL EDTA plasma
Absolute Minimum: 0.2 mL EDTA plasma
Turn Around Time:
8 working days upon receipt at reference laboratory
Reference Range:
3 months* and older: < or =750 pg/mL

*This test is not recommended for infants <3 months of age due to the high levels of GDF15 contributed from the placenta during pregnancy.
Interpretive Data:
Abnormal results along with clinical findings may be suggestive of mitochondrial disease. Additional workup is indicated.
Comments:
Useful For:
A circulating biomarker in myopathy-related mitochondrial disease as well as other conditions.

Investigation of patients suspected of having a mitochondrial myopathy.

Cautions:
This is a screening test for neuromuscular mitochondrial disease. Results can be elevated for other reasons including in individuals with cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pregnancy.

Results are normally elevated in children younger than 3 months of age due to the high levels found in the placenta during pregnancy.

This assay is not suitable for carrier detection.
Methodology:
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
CPT Code:
83520