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Diagnosis

Your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam.

Blood tests

If you have polycythemia vera, blood tests might reveal:

More red blood cells than normal and, sometimes, an increase in platelets or white blood cells
A greater percentage of red blood cells that make up total blood volume (hematocrit measurement)
Elevated levels of the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen (hemoglobin)

Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy

If your doctor suspects that you have polycythemia vera, he or she might recommend collecting a sample of your bone marrow through a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy.

A bone marrow biopsy involves taking a sample of solid bone marrow material. A bone marrow aspiration is usually done at the same time. During an aspiration, your doctor withdraws a sample of the liquid portion of your marrow.

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Polycythemia vera

Diagnosis

Blood tests

Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy