Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone generated predominantly by the kidneys, with minor amounts produced by the liver. EPO is essential for the synthesis of red blood cells (RBCs), which transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. This test determines the quantity of erythropoietin in the blood. People can also buy epo online

The body employs a dynamic feedback system to assist maintain adequate oxygen levels and a reasonably consistent quantity of RBCs in the blood. The amount of erythropoietin released is determined by how low the oxygen level is and the ability of the kidneys to manufacture erythropoietin.

EPO is transported to the bone marrow, where it increases the creation of red blood cells. The hormone is active for a short time before being excreted in the urine. As blood oxygen levels return to normal or near normal, the kidneys reduce EPO production.

If your kidneys are injured and do not produce enough erythropoietin, you will create too few RBCs and will become anaemic. Similarly, if your bone marrow is unable to respond to EPO stimulation, you may become anaemic.

If you have a condition that reduces the quantity of oxygen you breathe in, such as lung disease, you may create more EPO to compensate for the low oxygen level. People who reside at high altitudes may have higher amounts to buy epo online, as may chronic cigarette users.

If you create too much erythropoietin, which can occur with some malignant kidney tumours and a variety of other malignancies, you may make too many RBCs (polycythemia or erythrocytosis). This can cause an increase in blood thickness (viscosity) and, in certain cases, high blood pressure (hypertension), blood clots (thrombosis), a heart attack, or a stroke. Polycythemia is caused by a bone marrow condition called polycythemia vera, not by an increase in erythropoietin.