Erythropoietin Test- Why am I having this test?
Erythropoietin test may be done to help your health care provider find the cause of anemia or polycythemia.
Anemia is a condition in which you do not have enough red blood cells, while polycythemia is a condition in which you have an abnormal increase in red blood cells.
What is being tested?
This test measures the level of erythropoietin (EPO) in your blood. EPO is a hormone that is produced by your kidneys. EPO usually increases if your body is not getting enough oxygen. When your kidneys are not getting enough oxygen, they produce more EPO. This tells your body to make more red blood cells, which carry oxygen.
What kind of sample is taken?
A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.
Tell a health care provider about:
- All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Any medical conditions you have.
- Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
How are the results reported?
Your test results will be reported as values. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, a common reference range is:
- 5–35 international units per liter.
What do the results mean?
Results within the reference range are considered normal. Levels of EPO that are greater than the reference range can be seen in:
- Certain types of anemia.
- AIDS.
- Certain types of cancers and cancer treatments.
Levels of EPO that are lower than the reference range may indicate:
- Polycythemia vera.
- Kidney disease or kidney failure.
Certain conditions or medicines may cause EPO levels to be slightly higher, such as:
- Living in high altitudes.
- Smoking.
- Having a chronic lung disease.
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
- When will my results be ready?
- How will I get my results?
- What are my treatment options?
- What other tests do I need?
- What are my next steps?
Summary
- This test measures the level of erythropoietin (EPO) in your blood. EPO is a hormone that is produced by your kidneys.
- The EPO test may be done to help your health care provider find the cause of anemia or polycythemia.
- Levels of EPO that are greater than the reference range can be seen in certain types of anemia, AIDS, and certain types of cancer.
- Levels of EPO that are lower than the reference range can be seen in polycythemia vera and kidney disease.
