DIAGNOSIS
Your doctor will take a thorough medical history and administer the following medical examinations:
Blood tests
Blood tests may reveal the following if you have polycythemia vera:
- There are more red blood cells than usual, as well as an increase in platelets.
- Red blood cells account for a greater proportion of the total blood volume.
- Increased iron-rich protein levels that transport oxygen in hemoglobin
Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy
Your doctor may advise you to have an aspiration of bone marrow or a biopsy if you have polycythemia vera. A biopsy of the bone marrow entails taking a sample of solid bone marrow material and performing an aspiration at the same time. The liquid portion of your bone marrow is extracted during an aspiration.
TREATMENT
Polycythemia vera has no known cure. The treatment focuses on lowering your chances of complications. These treatments may also vary, depending on your symptoms.
For blood withdrawals, the most common treatment for the condition is phlebotomy, which is the same procedure used for the donation of blood. This reduces your blood volume and the number of extra blood cells in your body.