Erythropoietin
Private Erythropoietin blood test in London for £149.99, measuring one red blood cell regulatory hormone with results in around 4 business days.
Turnaround time
4 business days
Biomarkers count
1
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Overview of the Erythropoietin
The Erythropoietin blood test measures erythropoietin, commonly abbreviated to EPO, a hormone that regulates red blood cell production.
Erythropoietin is produced predominantly by specialised cells in the kidneys.
When oxygen delivery to tissues falls, the kidneys increase erythropoietin production.
EPO then stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, helping increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
The test contains 1 biomarker: Erythropoietin.
Measurement can be particularly useful when investigating why haemoglobin or haematocrit is unexpectedly high or low.
In unexplained erythrocytosis or polycythaemia, a low or inappropriately normal EPO concentration can support investigation for a primary bone-marrow process such as polycythaemia vera.
A raised EPO concentration can suggest a secondary stimulus to red blood cell production, including chronic hypoxia, certain kidney conditions or exogenous erythropoietin use.
In anaemia, EPO interpretation depends on the severity and cause of the anaemia.
Chronic kidney disease can cause an inadequate EPO response because damaged kidneys may not produce enough hormone despite low haemoglobin.
EPO is not a standalone diagnostic test and should be interpreted alongside Full Blood Count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, kidney function, oxygenation and, where appropriate, JAK2 mutation testing.
What Does the Erythropoietin Test Check?
This test measures 1 biomarker.
Erythropoietin
Measures EPO, the kidney-derived hormone responsible for stimulating red blood cell production in response to reduced tissue oxygen availability.
Who May Benefit From the Erythropoietin Test?
This test may be suitable where unexplained anaemia or erythrocytosis requires further investigation.
People with persistently elevated haemoglobin or haematocrit - EPO can help distinguish between primary and secondary mechanisms of erythrocytosis.
People being investigated for polycythaemia vera - A low EPO concentration can provide supporting information alongside JAK2 testing and Full Blood Count findings.
People with possible secondary erythrocytosis - Increased EPO can occur when chronic hypoxia stimulates red blood cell production.
People with unexplained anaemia and kidney disease - Reduced renal EPO production can contribute to anaemia in chronic kidney disease.
People with unexplained anaemia despite adequate iron and vitamin status - EPO may form part of a wider haematological investigation in selected cases.
People with chronic low oxygen levels - Respiratory, cardiovascular or sleep-related hypoxia can increase erythropoietin production.
People with a previously abnormal EPO result - Repeat measurement may provide useful context during specialist follow-up.
Specialist-requested haematology testing - EPO can be arranged where a haematologist, nephrologist or GP has specifically requested the measurement.
How to Prepare
Do not stop prescribed erythropoiesis-stimulating medication without specialist advice.
EPO interpretation is most useful when the contemporaneous haemoglobin and haematocrit are known.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Erythropoietin Test
EPO measurement is normally prompted by abnormal blood counts rather than symptoms alone.
Persistently high haemoglobin or haematocrit - Raised red-cell measurements may lead to investigation of erythrocytosis.
Unexplained headaches with documented erythrocytosis - Increased blood viscosity can contribute to symptoms in some people with markedly raised red-cell mass.
Unexplained fatigue with anaemia - Reduced haemoglobin can cause tiredness and may prompt investigation of the mechanism.
Breathlessness associated with anaemia - Reduced oxygen-carrying capacity can produce exertional symptoms.
Chronic kidney disease with low haemoglobin - Inadequate erythropoietin production can contribute to renal anaemia.
Low oxygen saturation with raised red blood cells - Chronic hypoxia can stimulate a secondary EPO response.
Previously abnormal Full Blood Count - EPO can provide additional information when red-cell abnormalities persist.
These symptoms are not specific to abnormal erythropoietin.
A raised or low EPO concentration does not independently diagnose polycythaemia vera, kidney disease or another condition.
Markedly elevated haemoglobin with neurological symptoms, chest pain, significant breathlessness or thrombotic symptoms requires appropriate medical assessment.
How to Book Your Erythropoietin Test
Booking your Erythropoietin blood test with London Blood Tests is straightforward.
Choose the Erythropoietin
Select the Erythropoietin test online and review the included hormone marker.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw (+£35) or a home or hotel phlebotomy visit (+£60).
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the venous blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your serum is analysed for erythropoietin concentration.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised report is delivered securely by email.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The expected turnaround time for the Erythropoietin test is approximately 4 business days after the sample reaches the laboratory.
Specialist laboratory review may occasionally extend reporting.
Understanding Your Results
Erythropoietin must be interpreted relative to the red blood cell count, haemoglobin and haematocrit.
In someone with erythrocytosis, a low EPO concentration can support investigation of an autonomous bone-marrow process such as polycythaemia vera.
A higher EPO concentration can suggest secondary erythrocytosis caused by an appropriate or inappropriate EPO stimulus.
Potential secondary causes include chronic hypoxia and selected renal or other medical conditions.
In anaemia, EPO would normally rise as the body attempts to stimulate additional red blood cell production.
An EPO response that is inappropriately low for the degree of anaemia may occur with chronic kidney disease.
Reference ranges vary between laboratories and the numerical result should not be interpreted without the accompanying blood count.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
Private Erythropoietin testing in London - Access targeted EPO measurement privately.
Relevant to erythrocytosis investigation - EPO can help distinguish possible primary and secondary mechanisms.
Useful in polycythaemia assessment - Low EPO can provide supporting information alongside JAK2 and haematology findings.
Relevant to renal anaemia - The kidneys are the main source of circulating erythropoietin.
Targeted individual hormone test - Measure EPO independently where clinically indicated.
Specialist laboratory analysis - Serum is processed using appropriate biochemical methods.
Clinic and home visit options - Professional phlebotomy can be arranged.
Clear pricing before booking - The Erythropoietin test costs £149.99.
Private Erythropoietin Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides the Erythropoietin blood test in London for people requiring investigation of abnormal red blood cell production.
The test costs £149.99 and measures one biomarker: Erythropoietin.
Results are expected within approximately 4 business days after laboratory receipt.
EPO should normally be assessed with a recent Full Blood Count and the clinical reason for testing.