Use

Erythropoietin testing is primarily used as an initial screening test for evaluating polycythemia. It is also utilized to determine the eligibility for erythropoietin therapy in patients with anemia due to chronic renal failure. This assay measures erythropoietin levels, which are expected to increase in response to anemia caused by iron deficiency, aplastic anemia, or hemolytic anemia. Elevated levels may also be indicative of renal tumors, renal transplant rejection, and secondary polycythemia. Conversely, low levels are often observed in polycythemia rubra vera and in certain anemic conditions in patients with HIV under AZT treatment.