What is this test?
Erythropoietin is a hormone produced mainly by the kidneys that stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells.
Why might it be ordered?
- To rule out anemia or an abnormally high red blood cell count.
- To assess own production of erythropoietin in renal or bone marrow conditions.
What sample is needed?
A healthcare professional collects a venous blood sample. Depending on the method, the laboratory uses serum or plasma.
How should you prepare?
Tell the laboratory about all medicines, hormone treatments, vitamins and supplements you take. Do not stop or change treatment unless your clinician tells you to. Follow any instructions about fasting and the time of collection.
How should you understand the result?
The result is interpreted with hemoglobin, hematocrit, renal function and treatment data. It does not independently determine the cause of anemia or erythrocytosis. Your result is interpreted using the reference interval on the laboratory report and in the context of your symptoms, medical history and other test findings.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.