Erythropoietin Test

The erythropoietin test determines how much erythropoietin (EPO) is present in the blood. This test helps identify the underlying cause of anaemia and any other disease that affects red blood cells in the body. The hormone erythropoietin (EPO) is predominantly produced by the kidney and liver. Red blood cells (RBCs) transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. EPO plays an important role in RBC production. The erythropoietin test measures the level of erythropoietin in the blood. The kidneys produce and release erythropoietin into the bloodstream. Erythropoietin forms in response to low blood oxygen levels (hypoxaemia). The amount of erythropoietin released depends on the amount of oxygen in the blood and on kidney functioning. EPO in the bone marrow increases red blood cell synthesis. The hormone is active for a brief time. After its function, EPO gets eliminated in the urine. The kidneys reduce EPO production as blood oxygen levels return to normal or near normal. In conditions where there is damage to the kidney and kidneys don't create enough erythropoietin, the body produces too few RBCs. Reduced RBC in the blood leads to anaemia. Erythropoietin maintains the blood balance by increasing the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. The erythropoiesis is a vital function since all cells in the body require a constant supply of blood and oxygen to remain healthy. Without new red blood cells, the body's organs and tissues may suffer from hypoxia or a shortage of oxygen. Hypoxia can cause cells to behave differently, which leads to sickness or cell death in the area. If the bone marrow does not respond to the stimulation by EPO, the person may become anaemic. The anaemia might happen as a result of some bone marrow problems or chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. In conditions that reduce the amount of oxygen, such as lung illness, the body may generate more EPO as a compensatory mechanism. People residing at high altitudes and chronic cigarette smokers may have greater EPO levels. RBCs production increases with too much erythropoietin, which can happen with some benign and malignant kidney tumours. Erythropoietin values increase in several other cancers (polycythemia or erythrocytosis). Increased RBCs can increase blood viscosity, which can cause high blood pressure (hypertension), blood clots (thrombosis), heart attack or stroke. The primary purpose of the erythropoietin (EPO) test is to determine the cause of anaemia. A complete blood count (CBC) with abnormal results, such as a low red blood cell (RBC) count, low haemoglobin and low haematocrit, is followed up with an EPO test. These tests aid in the diagnosis of anaemia and provide information about the underlying cause. Erythropoietin testing is done to see if a lack of EPO is causing or exacerbating anaemia. An erythropoietin test is used for the diagnosis of chronic renal diseases. EPO is used to see if the kidneys are still producing enough erythropoietin or not. Testing can help the doctor to decide about erythropoietin replacement therapy. If the erythropoietin level is low erythropoietin replacement therapy increases red cell synthesis in the bone marrow.