How Is Polycythaemia Diagnosis?

To diagnose PV, your doctor will perform a test called a complete blood count (CBC) to see if your number of red blood cells is higher than normal. Your doctor may also test your blood to look for amounts of a hormone called erythropoietin. Lower-than-normal levels of this hormone can be a sign of PV.

What level indicates polycythemia?

Hematocrit (HCT): Polycythemia is considered when the hematocrit is greater than 48% in women and 52% in men. Hemoglobin (HGB): Polycythemia is considered when there is a hemoglobin level of greater than 16.5g/dL in women or hemoglobin level greater than18. 5 g/dL in men.

What labs are elevated with polycythemia?

If you have polycythemia vera, blood tests might reveal: More red blood cells than normal and, sometimes, an increase in platelets or white blood cells. A greater percentage of red blood cells that make up total blood volume (hematocrit measurement)