Erythropoietin
(EPO) & The EPO Test

• What is erythropoietin?
• Chemically, what is erythropoietin (EPO)?
• What exactly does erythropoietin (EPO) do?
• Is the kidney the sole source of EPO?
• Why is an EPO test done?
• How is the EPO test done?
• What are normal EPO levels?
• What does an abnormal EPO level mean?
• Can a normal person have a high EPO level?
• Is EPO available by prescription?
• Erythropoietin At A Glance

What is erythropoietin?

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced by the kidney that promotes the formation of red blood cells by the bone marrow.

The kidney cells that make EPO are specialized so that they are sensitive to low oxygen levels in the blood coming into the kidney. These cells make and release EPO when the oxygen level is too low.

Chemically, what is erythropoietin (EPO)?

EPO is a protein with an attached sugar (a glycoprotein). It is one of a number of similar glycoproteins that serve as stimulants for the growth of specific types of blood cells in the bone marrow.

What exactly does erythropoietin (EPO) do?

Erythropoietin stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. The resultant rise in red cells increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

As the prime regulator of red cell production, EPO's major functions are to:

1. Promote the development of red blood cells.
2. Initiate the synthesis of hemoglobin, the molecule within red cells that transports oxygen.

Next: Is the kidney the sole source of EPO? »

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