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Erythropoietin test results help?
(April 7, 2010)
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An erythropoietin test is essentially a medical test that helps the medical fraternity to differentiate between the different types of anemia. It is also useful to understand whether the amount of erythropoietin produced within the body is sufficient for the level of anemia present. The measurement is known as erythropoietin in blood and the hormone is made primarily by the kidneys and released into the system when the oxygen levels are low. Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease may be asked to undergo the test at regular intervals in order to help evaluate the erythropoietin production of the kidneys. However, one must keep in mind the fact that the test is not usually used as a monitoring tool for anemia but is more often ordered when the anemic condition does not seem to be the result of iron deficiency, hemolysis, blood loss or even vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. The test may also be ordered in the event that there is an overproduction of the hormone within the system.
Much like any other blood test, an erythropoietin test will require some blood to be drawn from the vein in the arm. First, a tight band is fastened towards the upper part of the arm in order to restrict blood flow to some extent. This would also cause the blood to pool in the lower part of the arm, making collection of the sample much easier. The site where the syringe will be inserted into the vein is then prepped and cleansed with the help of an antiseptic. A needle then inserted into the vein and the blood collected in a vial before the needle is removed from the vein. The elastic band is then removed from the upper part of the arm and a small piece of cotton pressed into the puncture site of the vein. The pressure is applied to speed up the recovery process and prevent the blood from flowing out.
There is no specific or special preparation required when undergoing an erythropoietin test. However, some amount of pain may be experienced when the needle is inserted into your vein which may start to throb a little later on.
When there is a decrease in the erythropoietin levels and the body is also producing a rather low number of red blood cells, the anemic disorder is more likely to be related to a decrease in the functionality of the bone marrow.
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Submitted by M T on April 7, 2010 at 10:27
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