Polycythemia vera has an insidious onset and is most often discovered through a __________ determination.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Polycythemia vera is characterized by an increase in red blood cell mass, which is reflected by an elevated hematocrit level. Other lab values such as WBC count, reticulocyte count, and platelet count may also be elevated in some cases, but the hematocrit is the most reliable indicator of polycythemia vera. Electrophoresis may be used to distinguish between different types of polycythemia, but it is not typically the first test used to diagnose the condition.

Polycythemia Vera Has an Insidious Onset and Is Most Often