Question 1

What is Polycythemia?

Accepted Answer

Polycythemia is a blood disorder characterized by an abnormally high number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, which increases blood viscosity and raises the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. It can be caused by bone marrow disorders like polycythemia vera, low oxygen levels from lung disease or high altitude, kidney disease, or elevated testosterone levels. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is the most important test for diagnosing polycythemia because it measures red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels.

Question 2

What causes polycythemia?

Accepted Answer

Polycythemia is caused by either bone marrow disorders like polycythemia vera, where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells spontaneously, or secondary factors that trigger increased red blood cell production. Secondary causes include chronic low oxygen levels from lung disease, sleep apnea, or living at high altitude, kidney disease that produces excess erythropoietin hormone, elevated testosterone levels in men, or certain tumors that secrete hormones stimulating red blood cell production. The primary form, polycythemia vera, is a myeloproliferative disorder caused by genetic mutations in blood-forming cells.

Question 3

What is the best test for polycythemia?

Accepted Answer

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is the most important test for polycythemia because it measures the three key indicators of the condition: red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit percentage. Elevated values in these parameters directly indicate that your body is producing too many red blood cells. For male patients, the Testosterone Total test is essential because high testosterone can stimulate excess red blood cell production and identify a treatable hormonal cause. The Sedimentation Rate test provides additional diagnostic support by showing how polycythemia affects blood viscosity and can help monitor disease progression over time.

Question 4

When should I get tested for polycythemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience symptoms like persistent headaches, dizziness, vision problems, or redness in your face and hands. Testing is also important if you have unexplained itching after showering or bathing, frequent bleeding or bruising, or if routine blood work shows elevated red blood cell counts. Men using testosterone replacement therapy should be tested regularly to monitor for polycythemia development. Additionally, if you have risk factors like chronic lung disease, sleep apnea, smoking history, or kidney problems, screening blood tests can detect the condition before serious complications like blood clots or stroke occur.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of polycythemia?

Accepted Answer

Polycythemia symptoms include headaches, dizziness, blurred or double vision, and redness or flushing in the face, particularly in the cheeks and nose. You might experience unexplained itching, especially after taking a warm bath or shower, which is caused by the release of histamine. Other symptoms include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, ringing in the ears, excessive sweating, and a feeling of fullness in the left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen. Some people develop easy bruising or bleeding, joint pain, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet due to poor circulation from thickened blood.

Question 6

Who is at risk for polycythemia?

Accepted Answer

People over age 60 are at higher risk for polycythemia vera, with men slightly more affected than women. Those with chronic lung diseases like COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis face increased risk due to persistent low oxygen levels. Smokers have elevated risk because carbon monoxide reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, triggering red blood cell overproduction. People living at high altitudes, men taking testosterone therapy or anabolic steroids, individuals with sleep apnea causing nighttime oxygen drops, and those with kidney disease or certain tumors producing excess erythropoietin are also at higher risk. Family history of polycythemia vera increases your likelihood of developing the condition.

Question 7

What happens if polycythemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated polycythemia significantly increases your risk of life-threatening blood clots that can cause deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke. The thickened blood strains your heart and can lead to heart failure over time. You face higher risk of bleeding complications despite having more blood cells, because the excessive cells interfere with normal clotting function. Your spleen can become dangerously enlarged trying to filter the excess blood cells, potentially rupturing. Untreated polycythemia vera can transform into acute leukemia or myelofibrosis, serious bone marrow disorders with poor outcomes. Chronic symptoms like severe itching, fatigue, and joint pain significantly reduce quality of life when left unmanaged.

Question 8

Can polycythemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, polycythemia is diagnosed primarily through blood tests, making it one of the most straightforward blood disorders to detect. The Complete Blood Count measures red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, with elevated values in all three indicating polycythemia. For men, hemoglobin above 16.5 g/dL or hematocrit above 49 percent, and for women, hemoglobin above 16.0 g/dL or hematocrit above 48 percent typically indicate the condition. Additional blood tests may include erythropoietin levels to determine if polycythemia is primary or secondary, genetic testing for JAK2 mutation in suspected polycythemia vera, and oxygen saturation levels to identify low oxygen as a cause.

Question 9

How is polycythemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Polycythemia treatment focuses on reducing red blood cell counts and preventing blood clots. Phlebotomy, or therapeutic blood removal similar to blood donation, is the primary treatment, removing blood regularly until hematocrit reaches safe levels. Low-dose aspirin is commonly prescribed to reduce clotting risk. For polycythemia vera, medications like hydroxyurea can slow bone marrow red blood cell production. Secondary polycythemia requires treating the underlying cause, such as managing lung disease, addressing sleep apnea with CPAP therapy, or adjusting testosterone dosage in men on hormone therapy. Some patients need medications to control symptoms like antihistamines for itching or allopurinol to manage elevated uric acid levels.

Question 10

How can I prevent polycythemia?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot prevent primary polycythemia vera caused by genetic mutations, you can reduce your risk of secondary polycythemia through lifestyle modifications. Quit smoking to improve oxygen delivery and prevent chronic lung disease. Maintain a healthy weight and treat sleep apnea to ensure adequate nighttime oxygen levels. If you take testosterone therapy, work with your doctor to use the lowest effective dose and monitor blood counts regularly. Stay well-hydrated to help maintain normal blood viscosity. Avoid unnecessary time at high altitudes if you are at risk. Regular health screenings can detect early changes in blood counts, allowing intervention before complications develop.

Question 11

What can I do at home for polycythemia?

Accepted Answer

At home, stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help thin your blood and improve circulation. Avoid very hot baths or showers that can trigger intense itching, opting instead for lukewarm water. Apply cool compresses or use cooling lotions to relieve itching without scratching. Exercise regularly with moderate activity like walking or swimming to improve circulation and reduce clotting risk, but avoid activities with high injury risk. Elevate your legs when sitting to prevent blood pooling. Avoid iron supplements unless specifically prescribed, as iron can worsen polycythemia. Wear compression stockings if recommended by your doctor to prevent blood clots in your legs, and attend all scheduled blood removal appointments to maintain safe blood counts.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Polycythemia Blood Test

What is Polycythemia?

What causes polycythemia?

What is the best test for polycythemia?

When should I get tested for polycythemia?

References

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