Omega-3 Index, RBC

The combined EPA and DHA share of red blood cell membranes, a marker of omega-3 status.

Last reviewedJune 16, 2026

Whole blood

sample type

~5 mL

blood needed

~7 days

results in app

Any time of day

best timing

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On this page

Why test Reference ranges What you'll learn What affects it How testing works Sources FAQ

In short

The Omega-3 Index measures the combined amount of two long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in your red blood cell membranes. It is expressed as a percentage of all the fatty acids in those membranes.

Because red blood cells live for about four months, this index reflects your average omega-3 status over weeks, not just your last meal. It is a stable, long-term marker.

Heart & Cholesterol

Reviewed against DGKL reference practice.

Why test this?

EPA and DHA come mainly from oily fish and supplements, and they support heart, brain, and cell membrane health. A higher Omega-3 Index is linked to lower cardiovascular risk, while a low index is common in people who eat little fish.

The index is widely used to check whether your intake is enough and to guide changes in diet or supplements.

What is a normal result?

Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.

Adult guidance values (guidance only, vary by lab and method):

Category	Omega-3 Index (EPA+DHA, % of RBC fatty acids)
Desirable	> 8%
Intermediate	4 to 8%
Low / higher risk	< 4%

Ranges are guidance and vary by lab and assay, aligned with DGKL practice. Always read your result against your own lab's reference interval.

What insights will this test give you?

You learn your long-term omega-3 status in one clear percentage and whether it sits in a protective range. A low result points to adding oily fish or omega-3 supplements within a personalized action plan, with a retest to confirm progress.

What can affect this result?

What can skew the result

Recent changes in fish or supplement intake take weeks to show, so the index reflects the past months rather than the past days. Methods differ between labs, so compare results from the same assay. Very recent supplementation has little immediate effect on the membrane value.

Best interpreted with

Best read alongside the individual EPA, DHA, and ALA percentages and your wider cardiovascular and lipid markers.

How is this tested?

Sample

Whole blood

Blood needed

~5 mL

Method

Gas chromatography (fatty-acid analysis)

Best timing

Any time of day

Sources. The evidence behind this

Harris WS, von Schacky C: The Omega-3 Index as a risk factor

LOINC 88998-0: Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) index

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE)

Common questions

Which Aniva panels include this marker?

Omega-3 Index

This test measures your Omega-3 Index, the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cells.