EPA levels: what's normal, high and low
An omega-3 fatty acid from fish and algae oils. Has anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular effects.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
EPA is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 14.0 – 100 mcg/mL. At TestWell it's $69.99 all-in as Omega-3 Index, results in 7–10 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mcg/mL / ug/mL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 7–10 business days
- Price
- $69.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp
EPA Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 14.0 – 100 mcg/mL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
Have a result in hand? analyze it with your AI assistant using these reviewed ranges, or run it through our explainer. Tools: look up another marker's range · convert lab units
What does a low EPA mean?
Low EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) in the blood means little recent intake of oily fish or EPA-containing supplements. EPA is the omega-3 with the strongest cardiovascular trial evidence (high-dose purified EPA lowered events in people with high triglycerides). It is read with DHA and the Omega-3 Index, which summarize membrane status better than either single fatty acid.
Common causes of a low EPA
- Low intake of oily fish
- No EPA/DHA supplements (plant ALA converts poorly)
- High omega-6 intake
Ordered from most to least common.
Symptoms that can go with it
- None
What clinicians usually check next
- Omega-3 Index for the three-month picture
- Dietary fish or EPA/DHA supplementation; retest in 4 months
- Triglycerides — if high with cardiovascular risk, prescription EPA is a clinician discussion
EPA or DHA — which matters more?
EPA has the stronger evidence for cardiovascular events; DHA is more important for brain and eye tissue. Most people are low in both and fish or combined supplements raise both.
Educational only — not a diagnosis. A single result outside the range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician.
How do you get a EPA test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. EPA is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 Index | This marker only | $69.99 |
| Longevity & Anti-Aging Panel | 13 tests | $239.99 |
| Healthy Aging Panel | 15 tests | $299.99 |
| Total Body Panel | 49 tests | $599.99 |
| Men's Superpowers Panel | 36 tests | $649.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for EPA: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $69.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $109.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Heart Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside EPA.
Frequently asked
What does a low EPA mean?
Low EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) in the blood means little recent intake of oily fish or EPA-containing supplements. EPA is the omega-3 with the strongest cardiovascular trial evidence (high-dose purified EPA lowered events in people with high triglycerides). It is read with DHA and the Omega-3 Index, which summarize membrane status better than either single fatty acid.
EPA or DHA — which matters more?
EPA has the stronger evidence for cardiovascular events; DHA is more important for brain and eye tissue. Most people are low in both and fish or combined supplements raise both.
Do I need a doctor's order to test my epa?
No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor.
How long does it take to get EPA results?
Most EPA results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal.
How much does a EPA test cost?
Our Omega-3 Index starts at $69.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Do I need to fast before my EPA test?
Fasting is not required for the EPA test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day.
Which lab will process my EPA test?
Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations.
Ready to test your epa?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $69.99.