ERYTHROPOIETIN 0000427

Erythropoietin (EPO) is essential to the make up of red blood cells and is produced in the kidneys. This test is used to help differentiate between different types of anemia and to determine whether the amount of erythropoietin being produced is appropriate for the level of anemia present. When EPO is low in the setting of anemia, it helps your doctor determine whether it may be due to kidney problems or bone marrow problems as opposed to low iron as the reason.