Description

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone that helps the body maintain a healthy red blood cell count. It's produced by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels in the blood. 

Here are some things to know about erythropoietin:

How it works

• EPO stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. 

Uses

• EPO is used to treat anemia, which can be caused by cancer, chemotherapy, or chronic kidney disease. It can also be used to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions in some surgeries. 

Fasting not required.