Serum Erythropoietin (EPO)

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

Either to help tell the difference between polycythaemia vera and secondary polycythaemia or to help tell the difference between different types of anaemia. It also shows whether the amount of erythropoietin being produced is appropriate for the level of anaemia present

When this test is required

An erythropoietin test may be requested when a patient has anaemia that does not appear to be caused by iron deficiency, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, haemolysis or blood loss (such as gastrointestinal bleeding). It may be used when the patient’s RBC count, haemoglobin and haematocrit are decreased and the reticulocyte count is normal or decreased (indicating that the bone marrow has not responded to the anaemia by increasing RBC production). It is used when the doctor is attempting to distinguish between a disease that is suppressing bone marrow function and an inadequate amount of erythropoietin. It is very useful when a patient has an excessive number of red blood cells to determine if the polycythaemia is erythropoietin dependent or independent.In patients with chronic kidney disease erythropoietin levels may be used whenever a doctor suspects that kidney disease could be interfering with erythropoietin production.In patients with too many RBCs, an erythropoietin level may be used during an investigation of the overproduction to see if increased erythropoietin concentrations are present.

What the Test Detects

This test measures the amount of erythropoietin in the blood. Erythropoietin is a hormone produced mainly by the kidneys. It is produced and released into the bloodstream if the blood oxygen levels are low (hypoxaemia). Erythropoietin is carried to the bone marrow, where it works to stimulate stem cells to become red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs contain haemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Normal RBCs have a…This test measures the amount of erythropoietin in the blood. Erythropoietin is a hormone produced mainly by the kidneys. It is produced and released into the bloodstream if the blood oxygen levels are low (hypoxaemia). Erythropoietin is carried to the bone marrow, where it works to stimulate stem cells to become red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs contain haemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Normal RBCs have a lifespan of about 120 days and are usually similar in size and shape. The body has a dynamic feedback system that attempts to keep a stable number of RBCs. If there are too few produced or too many lost (through bleeding) or destroyed (haemolysis), or if the RBCs are abnormal (in shape, size or function of haemoglobin) then the patient will become anaemic and their ability to carry oxygen will be reduced. Normal red blood cell production relies on a functioning bone marrow, on an adequate supply of iron and nutrients such as vitamin B12 and folate and on an appropriate concentration of and response to erythropoietin. The amount of erythropoietin released depends upon how low the oxygen concentration is (hypoxia ) and the ability of the kidneys to produce erythropoietin. The hormone is active for a short period of time and is then removed from the body in the urine. Increased production and release of erythropoietin continues to occur until oxygen levels in the blood rise to normal or near normal concentrations, then production falls. However, if the kidneys are damaged and/or unable to keep up with the demand for erythropoietin, or if the patient’s bone marrow is unable to respond to the stimulation (such as may occur with a bone marrow disorder), then the patient may become increasingly anaemic. If there is too much erythropoietin produced, such as may occur with some benign or malignant kidney tumours and with a variety of other cancers, too many RBCs may be produced (polycythemia). This can lead to an increase in the volume of the blood in circulation, an increase in the blood’s viscosity and to hypertension. In one type of polycythaemia, called polycythaemia rubra vera, the excessive production of red cells occurs independently of erythropoietin levels. In these patients the erythropoietin level may be quite low. In patients with other forms of excessive red blood cell production usually associated with lung disease the erythropoietin level is high. How is the sample collected for testing? A blood sample is collected by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? No test preparation is needed. See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Test

None

Sample Requirements

A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm

Additional Notes

If a patient’s anaemia is due to a vitamin B12, folate or iron deficiency then the anaemia may persist even when adequate amounts of erythropoietin are being created. The RBCs produced in these deficiencies may not be normal in size, shape and/or haemoglobin content. If the patient is producing an abnormal form of haemoglobin (such as may occur with thalassaemia or sickle cell disease) or has a bone marrow disorder then increased erythropoietin may not resolve the anaemia.Erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESA) are synthetic forms of erythropoietin (recombinant human erythropoietin or rh-EPO) that have been developed to help increase RBC production in patients with chronic kidney disease and other anaemias related to bone marrow suppression and/or failure (such as that due to radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer). The drug treatment is given by intravenous or subcutaneous injection, and some forms e.g. darbopoietin alfa known as novel erythropoietin stimulating hormone (NESP) can be given less frequently.The synthetic hormone’s use has been promising, helping to decrease the need for blood transfusions and improving the quality life for many affected patients.Doctors monitor red cell haemoglobin levels and prescribe only the amount of erythropoietin needed to stimulate the production of red cells to avoid blood transfusions. If some patients are given higher than recommended doses they run an increased risk of developing blood clots, heart attacks, strokes and death. Also, certain cancer patients may experience a growth in tumour size.The same synthetic erythropoietin is also being used by some athletes as a form of “blood doping.” Those who use it are trying to increase their endurance and oxygen capacity by increasing the number of RBCs in their bloodstream. This use of the drug can be dangerous, resulting in hypertension and increasing the viscosity (thickness) of the blood. Its use has been prohibited by most sports organisations including the International Association of Athletics Federations, and erythropoietin is now being tested for as part of the Olympics anti-doping programme. This test is a urine test and determines how much of the synthetic form is present.

Selected Tests