Diagnosing polycythemia involves a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests, and bone marrow examination. Key diagnostic tests include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the levels of RBCs, white blood cells, and platelets, as well as hemoglobin and hematocrit. - Erythropoietin Level: Low levels suggest polycythemia vera, while high levels indicate secondary polycythemia. - JAK2 Mutation Test: The presence of the JAK2 mutation confirms the diagnosis of polycythemia vera. - Bone Marrow Biopsy: This helps in assessing the bone marrow's cellular and structural characteristics.
