Erythropoietin test

Definition

This is a test to measure the amount of erythropoietin in blood. See also reticulocyte count.

How the test is performed

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to cause the veins below the band to swell with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

For an infant or young child:

The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

How to prepare for the test

No special preparation is necessary.

How the test will feel

When 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 performed

This test may be used to help determine the cause of anemia, polycythemia (high red blood cells) or other bone marrow disorders.

EPO (erythropoietin) is a hormone (a type of protein) produced by specialized cells in the kidneys. These cells are sensitive to the oxygen concentration in the blood, and increase the release of EPO when the oxygen concentration is low.

Since oxygen is carried by red blood cells, too few red blood cells (anemia) will result in erythropoietin release. EPO acts on stem cells in the bone marrow to increase the production of red blood cells.

Normal Values

The normal range is 0-19 mU/ml (milliunits per milliliter).

What abnormal results mean

Elevated levels may indicate secondary polycythemia (an increased production of red blood cells in response to a circumstance like low levels of oxygen in the blood).

Lower-than-normal levels may be seen in chronic renal failure or polycythemia vera (when the body makes too many red blood cells for an unknown reason).

What the risks are

• excessive bleeding
• fainting or feeling light-headed
• hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations

Veins 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.

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