Erythropoietin signals the bone marrow to produce red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels. Low EPO with anemia is characteristic of chronic kidney disease, while high EPO can indicate appropriate response to anemia (such as iron deficiency or blood loss) or inappropriate overproduction from EPO-secreting tumors. In polycythemia, low EPO suggests primary marrow disorder (polycythemia vera), while high EPO suggests a secondary cause.
This test is used to investigate the cause of anemia or polycythemia, particularly when the cause is unclear, and to evaluate suspected EPO-secreting tumors. It is also used to assess EPO production in chronic kidney disease and guide use of EPO-stimulating agents. Sample type is serum.
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