Polycythaemia
A high haematocrit: confirming it, apparent versus absolute erythrocytosis, JAK2 and serum EPO as the first tests, hypoxic, drug (testosterone, SGLT2 inhibitor) and tumour causes, venesection targets in PV, testosterone thresholds and when secondary erythrocytosis needs venesection.
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Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- Erythrocytosis is a raised red cell mass, shown in practice by a persistently high haematocrit. Polycythaemia is the older term; polycythaemia vera (PV) is one cause.
- First decide if it is real: repeat the test, check hydration and look for causes of a low plasma volume.
- Then two tests split most cases: JAK2 V617F and serum erythropoietin (EPO).
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Sources
- Position statement on the hormonal management of adult transgender and gender diverse individualsCheung AS et al., Med J Aust 2019;211(3):127-33, 2019
- A guideline for the management of specific situations in polycythaemia vera and secondary erythrocytosis: A British Society for Haematology GuidelineMcMullin MF et al., Br J Haematol 2019;184:161-75, 2019
- A guideline for the diagnosis and management of polycythaemia vera. A British Society for Haematology GuidelineMcMullin MF et al., Br J Haematol 2019;184:176-91, 2019
- The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours: Myeloid and Histiocytic/Dendritic NeoplasmsKhoury JD et al., Leukemia 2022;36:1703-19, 2022
- Philadelphia chromosome-negative classical myeloproliferative neoplasms: revised management recommendations from European LeukemiaNetBarbui T et al., Leukemia 2018;32:1057-69, 2018
- Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelineBhasin S et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018;103:1715-44, 2018
- Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits, November 2026 (testosterone, androgen deficiency)AU/NZAustralian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, November 2026
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Deploy to Cloudflare on push to main