Erythropoietin
Alternate Names : EPO, Serum Erythropoietin
DefinitionThis is a test to measure the amount of erythropoietin in blood. (See also reticulocyte count).
Why is the Test 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 protein hormone 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.
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