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The erythropoietin test measures the amount of a hormone called erythropoietin ((EPO) in blood.
The hormone acts on stem cells in the bone marrow to increase the production of red blood cells. It is made by cells in the kidney, which release the hormone when oxygen levels are low.
See also: Reticulocyte count
Alternative NamesSerum erythropoietin; EPO
How the test is performedBlood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is necessary.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis test may be used to help determine the cause of anemia, polycythemia (high red blood cells) or other bone marrow disorders.
A change in red blood cells will affect the release of EPO. For example, persons with anemia have too few red blood cells, so more EPO is produced.
Normal ValuesThe normal range is 0-19 milliunits per milliliter (mU/mL).
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanIncreased EPO levels may be due to secondary polycythemia, an overproduction of red blood cells that occurs in response to an event such as low blood oxygen levels. This may happen at high altitudes or, rarely, because of a tumor that releases EPO.
Lower-than-normal EPO levels may be seen in chronic kidney failure, anemia of chronic disease, or polycythemia vera.
What the risks areVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Mathur S, Schexneider K, Hutchison RE. Hematopoiesis. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 30.
What else can I help you with?
How is an erythropoietin test done?
The EPO test requires a blood sample.
What is the purpose of an erythropoietin test?
The erythropoietin (EPO) test is used to determine if hormonal secretion is causing changes in the red blood cells. The test has great value in evaluating low hemoglobin (anemia), and another disorder called polycythemia.
What characteristics does an abnormal erythropoietin test have?
Low levels of EPO are found in anemic patients with inadequate or absent production of erythropoietin. Severe kidney disease may decrease production of EPO, and congenital absence of EPO can occur. Elevated levels of EPO.
How should patients be prepared for an erythropoietin test?
The patient is to fast with nothing to eat or drink for at least eight hours before the test. It is also suggested that the patient lie down for 30 minutes before the test.
What characteristics does a successful erythropoietin test have?
Reference values vary from laboratory to laboratory, but a general normal range is 11-48 mU/ml (milliunits per milliliter).
What risks exist for the patient in undergoing an erythropoietin test?
Risks for this test are minimal, but may include slight bleeding from the blood-drawing site, fainting or feeling lightheaded after venipuncture, and hematoma (blood accumulating under the puncture site).
What factors need to be taken into account when using an erythropoietin test?
It should also be noted that EPO values increase in pregnancy, in which significantly higher levels are found before the twenty-fourth week.
What blood test is ordered if patient on epogen?
A common blood test ordered for patients on Epogen (erythropoietin) is a hemoglobin or hematocrit test. This test helps monitor the patient's red blood cell count and overall blood health to ensure that the Epogen is effectively stimulating red blood cell production.
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