What Do These Blood Reports For Polycythemia Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 27 Oct 2016

Question: My blood tests seem to go up and down especially for RBC, Hematocrit and Hemoglobin. In Dec, all those were within the normal range. Blood drawn on Sept 27 at noon, fasted until then, very little water to drink and the RBC is 5.47, Hematocrit 49.9 and Hemoglobin 16.4. WBC normal 4.9 and Platelets normal 192. All other blood ranges normal. My doctor mentioned polycythemia. He says no, but is that a possibility? I have some chronic pain on my left side below rib cage, also comes and goes. He said I did not have an enlarged spleen.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please, upload the results for review!

Detailed Answer:
HI and thanks so much for this query.

To provide a comprehensive an complete second opinion, I will suggest that you upload both reports. I will review them and the trends of your exams and provide an independent second opinion on this.

Polycythemia needs consistently raised HB and hematocrit over a time period. That is simply not the case at this time given the rather single observation. The pain of your left side below the ribcage really suggests nothing in this light. Come back in six months is the single most correct course of action at this time.

Now, upload results for review and more personalized and helpful discussions will follow. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 days later)

I don't have the actual tests to upload, but I have the numbers:
You have the numbers from Sept 2016 above
April 2016 - Hematocrit 47.8 / RBC 5.2 / Hemoglobin 15.5
Feb 2016 Hematocrit 43.8 RBC 4.7 / Hemoglobin 14.2
Nov 2015 Hematocrit 48.4 / RBC 5.3 / Hemoglobin 16.0
Oct 30 2015 Hematocrit 45.2 / RBC 5.0 / Hemoglobin 15.0
Oct 9 2015 Hematocrit 48.7 / RBC 5.4 / Hemoglobin 16.4
April 2015 Hematocrit 46.4 / RBC 5.08 / Hemoglobin 15.2
January 2015 Hematocrit 44.8 / RB 4.9 / Hemoglobin 14.8

These are all I have for now. Any need for worry?
Oh, have one more test from Sept of 2013
Hematocrit 43.8 / RBC 4.8 / Hemoglobin 14.9

It seems that in 2015 and 2016 I have higher than normal amounts. All other blood work is within normal including platelets and WBC

Thank youj.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
NO need to worry about polycythemia!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

With hemoglobin values less than 16 on most occasions, i will not even evoke the diagnosis of polycythemia. There is just no reason to get worried.

I wish you well and stay calm. Not need for any further testing or laboratory investigations.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar