Erythropoietin (Erythropoietin, Serum)
The test is aimed at determination of erythropoietin level — a hormone regulating erythrocyte formation in bone marrow. Used to determine the cause of various origin anemias, including iron deficiency, chronic disease, and aplastic. Applied with elevated hemoglobin to assess possible erythrocytosis.
Assessment of kidney function, since erythropoietin is produced predominantly by kidneys. Monitoring of hematopoiesis-affecting therapy efficacy.
What the test evaluates:
- Erythropoietin concentration in blood serum
- Hematopoiesis process activity and body's ability to stimulate erythrocyte formation
- Possible erythropoiesis regulation disorders with blood and kidney diseases
Biomaterial: Venous blood
- Draw blood fasting
- Exclude intense physical activity and stress 24 hours before
Medications:
- Drugs affecting hematopoiesis (erythropoietin, erythropoiesis stimulators) and hormonal agents may affect results
- Medication discontinuation only by physician prescription
Recommended for:
- Hematologist — for differential diagnosis of anemias and erythrocytoses
- Nephrologist — for chronic renal insufficiency, reduced kidney hormonal function
- General practitioner — with unclear origin elevated or reduced hemoglobin
- Oncologist — with suspected tumor processes affecting hematopoiesis
Important: Results evaluated together with clinical data, hemoglobin level, reticulocytes, and other hematopoiesis markers.
Normal: erythropoietin concentration corresponds to physiological values for patient sex and age; bone marrow and kidney functioning adequately, erythropoiesis normal
Deviations: elevated — may indicate chronic hypoxia, erythrocytosis, tumor processes of kidneys or other organs; reduced — possible kidney insufficiency, aplastic anemia, bone marrow stimulation deficiency; physician consultation required for cause determination and treatment correction.
