ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPO)

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone secreted by the kidney which regulates the production of red blood cells in your body. When your body is exposed to low oxygen levels, EPO is released and the levels rise in the blood. When your levels of hemoglobin or red blood cells is high as seen in Polycythemia, EPO production is reduced. EPO levels are also reduced in Chronic kidney failure.