- Anti-Doping Science, Effects of PEDs, PED Primary Videos
Blood Doping & EPO | Effects of Performance Enhancing Drugs
Produced By
Share On
All videos are copyrighted property of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. The material contained within may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the express written permission of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.
Blood doping, which often involves the use of prohibited erythropoietin, or EPO, increases the number of red blood cells in the body. This increase thickens the blood, making it difficult for the heart to pump. The result is a higher risk of life-threatening diseases including stroke, heart disease, and cerebral or pulmonary embolisms. The abuse or misuse of EPO can also trigger serious autoimmune diseases, causing the body’s immune system to attack healthy cells. Blood doping through transfusions also increases the risk of infectious disease, such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis, which is when the liver becomes dangerously inflamed. There have been multiple deaths attributed to blood doping.
About USADA
USADA is committed to protecting clean athletes and promoting fair competition. As the official anti-doping agency for the United States, USADA provides education, testing, and resources that empower athletes to compete with integrity and confidence.
Follow Us
Explore More
Latest Videos
50 seconds
Invest in Integrity
Olympic gold medalists Evan Bates and Madison Chock share why they Invest in Integrity ahead of the 2026 Winter Games.
35 seconds
#AskUSADA – Is testing random?
On this episode of #AskUSADA, Elite Education Director, Tammy Hanson, discusses whether testing is random or targeted.
To learn more, visit: https://www.usada.org/testing/
35 seconds
#AskUSADA – Do I get to pick between a blood or urine test?
On this episode of #AskUSADA, Elite Education Director, Tammy Hanson, discusses whether an athlete can choose the type of test they take.
To learn more, visit: https://www.usada.org/testing/
