POLYCYTHEMIA (ERYTHROCYTOSIS)

Polycythemia is an increase above the normal range of RBCs in the circulation. Concern that the Hb level may be abnormally high should be triggered at a level of 170 g/L (17 g/dL) in men and 150 g/L (15 g/dL) in women. Polycythemia is usually found incidentally at routine blood count. Relative erythrocytosis, due to plasma volume loss (e.g., severe dehydration, burns), does not represent a true increase in total RBC mass. Absolute erythrocytosis is a true increase in total RBC mass.