Erythropoietin EPO
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced by the kidneys and secreted to regulate the production of red blood cells. EPO is mainly used to diagnose various blood disorders, such as anemia or polycythemia. EPO levels can indicate whether the body is responding correctly to the need to increase red blood cell production associated with oxygen deprivation or other related conditions. In addition, EPO is used therapeutically to treat certain forms of anemia, particularly those associated with chronic kidney disease./p>
Why is erythropoietin EPO analyzed?
When doctors suspect that someone has too many red blood cells, a disease called polycythemia vera, they can measure the levels of a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) in the blood. For men and women, there are specific threshold values for hemoglobin and hematocrit that can point to the disease. If EPO levels are abnormally low or in the lower normal range, it may indicate polycythemia vera. On the other hand, if EPO is high, it may indicate another type of condition where the body produces too many red blood cells due to causes other than polycythemia vera.
High test response of erythropoietin
A high level of erythropoietin (EPO) in the blood may indicate that the body is trying to produce more red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels, which may be due to various conditions such as chronic hypoxia, certain kidney diseases or conditions where the kidneys produce too much EPO. It may also indicate a reaction to anemia or other medical conditions that require an increased production of red blood cells to improve oxygen transport in the body.
Low test response of erythropoietin?
A low level of erythropoietin (EPO) may indicate that the kidneys are not producing enough EPO to stimulate the production of red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. This can be a sign of kidney failure or other conditions that affect the kidneys' ability to sense the body's oxygen needs and react adequately. Low EPO levels can also be observed in some cases of polycythemia vera, a disease in which the body produces too many red blood cells.