Erythropoietin Test

What is an erythropoietin test?

An erythropoietin test is a test your doctor can use to measure the amount of erythropoietin in your blood. Erythropoietin is a hormone made by your kidneys that stimulates your body to make red blood cells. An erythropoietin test is an important test that can help determine the cause of anemia (low red blood cells) and polycythemia (high red blood cells). It can also help determine if your kidneys are making enough erythropoietin if you have chronic kidney disease.

An erythropoietin test involves a simple blood draw but is not a routine laboratory test. It is only one method that your doctor can use to test for causes of anemia and other red blood cell disorders.You should discuss different testing options with your doctor or healthcare provider to best understand which option is right for you. 

Why is an erythropoietin test performed?

An erythropoietin testis a test that your doctor can use to measure the amount of erythropoietin in your blood. Erythropoietin is a hormone made by your kidneys that stimulates your bone marrow to make red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to your body’s cells and tissues.

Your doctor may recommend an erythropoietin test for following conditions:

• Anemia or low red blood cells. Anemia is usually discovered through blood tests that measure the concentration of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells. An erythropoietin test helps your doctor determine whether your anemia is related to not having enough erythropoietin.
• Chronic kidney disease to determine whether your kidneys are still able to produce enough erythropoietin for your body
• Polycythemia, or high red blood cells, to determine whether too much erythropoietin is the cause

How is an erythropoietin test performed?  

A phlebotomist or other healthcare provider will perform your erythropoietin test in a hospital laboratory or outpatient laboratory setting. A phlebotomist is a clinical laboratory technician who specializes in drawing blood. The procedure takes a few minutesand generally includes these steps:

1. You will sit in a chair with your arm supported.
2. Your healthcare provider will clean the area where he or she will draw your blood. This is usually the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand.
3. Your healthcare provider will wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make your vein fill with blood and swell.
4. Your healthcare provider will gently insert a needle into your vein and collect the necessary amount of blood in an airtight vial attached to the needle. He or she will remove the elastic band from your arm to let your blood flow.
5. Your healthcare provider will withdraw the needle once the blood collection is complete. He or she will apply pressure to the site to stop any bleeding and cover the site with a bandage.

Will I feel pain?

Your comfort and relaxation is very important to both you and your care team. You may feela brief pinch or prick during the needle insertion. If you are uncomfortable, tell your healthcare provider.

What are the risks and potential complications of an erythropoietin test? 

Complications after an erythropoietin testare uncommon, but any procedure involves risks potential complications. Complications can develop during the procedure or throughout your recovery. Risks and potential complications of an erythropoietin testinclude:

• Bleeding
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
• Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin)
• Infection

Reducing your risk of complications

You can reduce the risk of certain complications by:

• Ensuring that all members of your care team are aware of any allergies you have
• Following activity, dietary and lifestyle restrictions and recommendations before your procedure and during recovery
• Notifying your doctor immediately of any concerns, such as bleeding, fever, or increase in pain
• Taking your medications exactly as directed