Erythropoietin(EPO)
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Erythropoietin(EPO)

The erythropoietin test measures the amount of a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) in blood.

The Ibn Sina Trust
Praava Health
Dr Lal PathLabs
Omnicare Diagnostic Limited
Thyrocare Bangladesh Ltd
Brac Healthcare
Popular Diagnostic Centre Ltd
JG Healthcare
Probe Bangladesh Limited
3200
4000
20% OFF
Sample Type
blood
Fasting Required
No
Description

The erythropoietin hormone can be detected and measured in the blood. An abnormal level of erythropoietin in the blood can indicate bone marrow disorders, (such as polycythemia, or increased red blood cell production) kidney disease, or erythropoietin abuse. Testing erythropoietin blood levels is of value if:

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How our test process works!

Step 1

Sample Collection

Vaccinated Phlebotomists collects from syringe in the barcoded vials

Step 2

Sample Storage

Only vaccinated phelbos are assigned orders

Step 3

High Tech Facility

Lab ingests the sample into processing machines which are 100% automated

Step 4

Accurate Digital Reports

The reports are generated by the processing machines and clinically correlated by doctors

Overview

The Erythropoietin (EPO) test measures the level of erythropoietin in the blood. Erythropoietin is a hormone primarily produced by the kidneys that plays a crucial role in stimulating the production of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) in the bone marrow. This test is typically used to help diagnose and manage certain conditions related to abnormal red blood cell production, such as anemia or polycythemia.

Key points about the Erythropoietin (EPO) test:

  1. Purpose of the Test:

    • Anemia: To determine if low levels of erythropoietin are contributing to anemia (a condition where there is a deficiency in red blood cells).
    • Polycythemia: To assess if high levels of erythropoietin are causing an overproduction of red blood cells, leading to polycythemia.
    • To monitor the effectiveness of synthetic EPO treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease or other conditions that affect red blood cell production.
  2. Sample Type:

    • A blood sample is required for the test, usually drawn from a vein in your arm.
  3. How EPO Works:

    • Erythropoietin is produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. When the oxygen level is low, the kidneys release more EPO, which signals the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. Increased red blood cells help carry more oxygen throughout the body.
  4. Normal Range:

    • The normal range of erythropoietin levels can vary depending on the laboratory, but it is generally between 2.6 to 18.5 milliunits per milliliter (mU/mL).
  5. Interpreting Results:

    • High EPO levels: Could indicate conditions like chronic hypoxia (low oxygen levels), certain tumors, or polycythemia.
    • Low EPO levels: May be seen in cases of chronic kidney disease (where the kidneys are not producing enough erythropoietin) or some forms of anemia, such as aplastic anemia or iron deficiency anemia.
  6. Conditions Requiring an EPO Test:

    • Chronic Kidney Disease
    • Polycythemia Vera
    • Bone Marrow Disorders 

Additional Notes:

  • Treatment Monitoring: For patients receiving synthetic erythropoietin (such as EPO injections for anemia related to kidney failure), the test helps monitor the response to treatment.
  • Other Factors: EPO levels may also be affected by living at high altitudes, smoking, or certain lung and heart conditions that reduce blood oxygen levels.
 
Risk assessment

Anaemia, Polycythaemia, Bone Marrow Disorders, Kidney failure, Tumours of the kidney

Ranges
The normal range of erythropoietin levels is Males 5.8 - 9.9 IU/L Females 6 - 10.6 IU/L What causes erythropoietin deficiency? The causes of erythropoietin deficiency are Kidney tumour Renal failure Polycythaemia vera Rheumatoid arthritis HIV Carcinoma Ulcerative colitis Sickle cell anaemia What foods contain erythropoietin? The food that increases erythropoietin secretion are Red meat, such as beef. Organ meat, such as kidneys and liver. Dark, leafy, green vegetables, spinach and kale. Dried fruits, prunes and raisins. Beans, Legumes and egg yolks.
Test result interpretation
Erythropoietin levels that are either high or too low cause a variety of blood diseases. Decreased values in erythropoietin results with anaemia indicate renal dysfunction. Increased values in erythropoietin test results with anaemia indicate bone marrow dysfunction. Increased erythropoietin levels with anaemia could be due to iron or vitamin deficiency. Increased erythropoietin test chart values with an increase in RBCs indicate kidneys producing too much erythropoietin. Erythropoietin within normal range with an increase in red blood cells indicates primary polycythaemia. Decreased level of erythropoietin : Chronic kidney failure The kidneys cannot produce enough EPO in chronic renal failure. If your EPO levels are low, your red blood cell count will decrease and you will develop anaemia. The majority of people with renal disease suffer from anemia. Anaemia can begin early in kidney illness and worsen as the kidneys stop producing EPO. Increased erythropoietin levels indicative of Polycythaemia Polycythemia vera is a type of cancer of the blood. It causes the bone marrow to create an abnormally large number of red blood cells. These additional cells thicken the blood, causing it to clot and slowing its flow. EPO levels are often low to low-normal in polycythemia vera and congenital/familial primary polycythemias. EPO levels are frequently normal or increased in secondary physiologic or non-physiologic polycythemias. Kidney tumour According to one study, renal cell carcinoma cells produce an inactive version of EPO, which may explain why patients with renal cell carcinoma have high EPO levels. Abuse in Athletes Some athletes exploit the circulatory system to enhance their sports performance. Athletes increase their red cell count to improve their performance. This is dangerous since it can result in fatal complications. Some other diseases where erythropoietin values are low are Rheumatoid arthritis AIDS Cancer Ulcerative colitis Sickle cell disease Premature neonates. The findings of an erythropoietin test cannot distinguish between primary and secondary polycythaemia. Erythropoietin result chart levels are within the normal range in some patients with primary polycythaemia. People who live at high altitudes may have higher erythropoietin levels in their test results than people who reside at lower altitudes.
Sample types
A blood sample is required for the erythropoietin test method. Overnight fasting is required for the erythropoietin test protocol. The erythropoietin test is straightforward. Exam Preparation Fasting is required for the erythropoietin test, which is a blood test. The patient is asked to fast for 8-10 hours (overnight) before the test. Before the exam, you may be requested to lie down quietly for 20-30 minutes. The test requires a regular blood sample. However, make sure to inform the doctor about any current medications before the tests. Before taking the test, make sure you follow the doctor's instructions. The doctor will provide you instructions based on your medical condition. What are the parameters included in the test? The erythropoietin test values give an idea about the Decrease in the level of erythropoietin in the blood Increase in the erythropoietin levels in the blood How frequently should you take this test? The frequency of erythropoietin tests is determined by the doctor's recommendation and the underlying condition. After three months of treatment, the erythropoietin test results are repeated to check the prognosis. In bone marrow diseases, erythropoietin levels are checked every 3-4 months to ensure recovery. To keep track of health, erythropoietin test results are repeated annually in persons with renal illness and blood disorders. If EPO levels were within the normal range, erythropoietin test results do not need to be repeated.

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