Polycythemia, also known as erythrocytosis, simply means having an increased red blood cell mass in the body. This increase is identified in laboratory tests by elevated levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Understanding Polycythemia
What is it?
Polycythemia is not a single disease, but rather a condition characterized by:
- Elevated Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Increased Hematocrit: Hematocrit refers to the proportion of red blood cells in the total blood volume.
How is it Diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves laboratory testing, which can reveal:
- Higher than normal hemoglobin levels.
- Elevated hematocrit levels.
Types of Polycythemia
There are several types of polycythemia, including:
-
Polycythemia Vera: This is a specific subtype associated with the overproduction of not just red blood cells but sometimes other blood cell types.
Feature Description Definition Increased red blood cell mass, noted as increased hemoglobin and hematocrit. Alternative Name Erythrocytosis Polycythemia Vera A subtype of polycythemia, may involve overproduction of multiple cell lineages.
Practical Insights
- Polycythemia can result from various underlying causes that may require further investigation.
- Understanding the cause of polycythemia is important for determining the appropriate treatment plan.
In summary, polycythemia refers to a condition where the body has an abnormally high number of red blood cells, identifiable through increased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in lab tests. It is also called erythrocytosis.
