Test ID PK Pyruvate Kinase, Erythrocytes
Useful For
Work-up of cases of nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia
Investigating families with pyruvate kinase deficiency to determine inheritance pattern and for genetic counseling
Method Name
Kinetic Spectrophotometry (KS)
Reporting Name
Pyruvate Kinase, RBCSpecimen Type
Whole Blood ACD-BContainer/Tube:
Preferred: Yellow top (ACD solution B)
Acceptable: EDTA
Specimen Volume: 6 mL
Collection Instructions: Do not transfer blood to other containers.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/benign-hematology-test-request-form.pdf)
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Whole Blood ACD-B | Refrigerated | 20 days |
Clinical Information
Deficiencies of most of the enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof (glycolytic) pathway, including pyruvate kinase (PK), have been reported. PK deficiency, although rare, is the erythrocyte enzyme deficiency most frequently found to be a cause of congenital nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia. It is an autosomal recessive disorder. Thus, the parents of affected patients are heterozygotes. Patients usually present during early childhood with anemia, icterus, and splenomegaly. Hemolytic disease of the newborn is common in persons with PK deficiency.
Reference Values
≥12 months: 6.7-14.3 U/g Hb
Reference values have not been established for patients who are <12 months of age.
Cautions
Because leukocytes also contain pyruvate kinase (PK) that is not diminished in hereditary erythrocytic PK deficiency, freeing the blood of white blood cells is always critical to this test.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
1 dayPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
84220