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Hormones Home collection available

Erythropoietin (EPO), Serum

Parameters1 tested
SampleBlood
FastingNot required
Report in24-48 hrs

How to prepare

No fasting needed

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Good to know

No special preparation needed.

Medicines

Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.

Comfortable clothes

Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.

How it works

Book onlinePick a time slot
Home visitSealed, sterile kit
Lab testingBarcode tracked
ReportIn 24-48 hrs

About this test

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone made by the kidneys that tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells.

Why is this test done?

  • Investigate high haemoglobin (polycythaemia)
  • Investigate anaemia in kidney disease
  • Before starting EPO injections

Symptoms — when should you get tested?

  • Very high haemoglobin
  • Headache and red face
  • Anaemia with kidney disease

Normal range

Adults 4 – 27 mIU/mL

Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

If your result is high

High EPO is seen in anaemia, low oxygen states or EPO-making tumours.

Common reasons
  • Anaemia
  • Lung disease or high altitude
  • Smoking
  • Kidney tumours

If your result is low

Low EPO is seen in kidney disease and polycythaemia vera.

Common reasons
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Polycythaemia vera

How is the test done?

  1. 1
    Book online

    Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.

  2. 2
    Blood sample taken

    A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.

  3. 3
    Tested in our lab

    Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.

  4. 4
    Report on WhatsApp

    A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.

Frequently asked questions

No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.

Your report is usually ready in 24-48 hrs after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.

Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.

This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.

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