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Deciphering polycythemia
1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Syracuse, N.Y., USA.
Most causes of an elevated hematocrit can be determined with a simple workup that includes a complete blood count and chest x-ray. However, measurement of red blood cell mass and plasma volume is required to differentiate primary, secondary, and combined polycythemia. Phlebotomy is customary for primary disease and some secondary cases in which the underlying cause cannot be removed.
Most causes of an elevated hematocrit can be determined with a simple workup that includes a complete blood count and chest x-ray. However, measurement of red blood cell mass and plasma volume is required to differentiate primary, secondary, and combined polycythemia. Phlebotomy is customary for primary disease and some secondary cases in which the underlying cause cannot be removed.