Erythropoietin Test

Elevated levels of EPO occur in patients with anemias due to increased red cell destruction in hemolytic anemia. It can be associated with impaired oxygen delivery to the tissues, impaired pulmonary oxygen exchange, abnormal hemoglobins with increased oxygen affinity, constriction of the renal vasculature, and inappropriate EPO secretion caused by certain renal and extrarenal tumors.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone that is produced mainly in the kidneys which helps to stimulate the production of red blood cells. As blood flows through the kidneys, the blood oxygen level is measured. If this is low, the kidney responds by releasing erythropoietin to help increase blood oxygen levels. Erythropoietin test is used to measure the level of EPO in the blood, which can indicate things such as kidney disease, which will produce low levels, bone marrow and lung disease, which will cause high levels of EPO to be produced. This can help to guide further management for this differential diagnosis.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Signs and symptoms of anaemia
• Any indication of kidney disease
• Helping diagnose polycythemia

Also Known As: EPO