# Erythropoietin (EPO)

> This test measures the level of erythropoietin, a hormone that signals your body to produce red blood cells. It helps determine the cause of anemia (low red blood cells) or polycythemia (too many red blood cells) by showing if your kidneys are sending the correct signals to your bone marrow. These results help distinguish between kidney-related issues and primary bone marrow disorders. However, this measurement alone cannot diagnose a specific disease and does not distinguish between natural hormones and medication.

- Labcorp code: 140277
- Category: [Hormones](https://app.picardo.health/labs/tests/hormones.md)
- Price: shown at checkout, before payment.
- Blood draw: free at a Labcorp location, or $75.00 at home.
- Order link: https://app.picardo.health/labs/order?tests=140277&ref=assistant

## About ordering

A licensed physician reviews every order before any test is run, and results arrive in the person's Picardo account. Ordering is open to adults 18 and over in the US, except New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, Hawaii and Maine. General health information, not medical advice.