[Elevated Hemoglobin--polyglobulia or polycythemia?]

An increase in Hb levels, haematocrit or the absolute number of red blood cells may be evidence of polycythemia rubra vera. Much more commonly, however, erythrocytosis is due to an underlying non-hematological disease. To establish the diagnosis of polycythemia, a secondary polyglobulia must first be excluded. If no evidence of polyglobulia is found, or if EPO levels are decreased, or splenomegaly not accountable for by portal hypertension is present, a specific diagnostic work-up must be performed by a hematologist/oncologist. This includes a bone marrow aspiration, cytological examination and molecular genetic testing.