What blood test do we need to ask our doctor for if we want a test ...

The condition you are referring to is known as polycythemia, sometimes referred to colloquially as “thickening of the blood”. This is a rare condition in which the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of red blood cells, causing the blood to effectively thicken. This puts a lot of stress on the heart, making the patient susceptible to problems such as hypertension or even a heart attack. There is also the danger of clots actually forming within the blood vessels. Thickening of the blood could be either primary or secondary. In primary polycythemia, which is also known as polycythemia vera (PCV), the cause of the thickening is as mentioned earlier – excessive production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. In secondary polycythemia, there may be an underlying cause such as tumors in the liver or kidneys, or a chronic lack of oxygen. A lack of oxygen frequently occurs in heavy smokers, but can also occur in anyone who has severe a heart or lung condition that affects delivery of oxygen all over the body. In some cases, polycythemia may be induced to a certain extent, as is the case with athletes who train at high altitudes with less oxygen in order to improve stamina.

Typical symptoms of polycythemia include headaches and dizziness, as well as blurry vision. Itching is another common symptom, especially after a warm bath. Patients also experience chronic fatigue and difficulties in concentrating. Many patients also develop gout, although the reason for this is not entirely clear. If your husband's symptoms seem to match the ones just described, he may be suffering from polycythemia.

As far as blood tests go, a doctor will typically look for an elevated hemoglobin level. This essentially means an abnormally large number of red blood cells. The blood test will usually also show low erythropoietin (EPO) levels. However, a blood test alone is not enough to come up with a certain diagnosis. Your husband will also need to discuss his symptoms with the doctor, and the doctor will need to perform a full physical examination. Rather than telling the doctor that you want a specific blood test done, it is advisable that your husband discusses his symptoms with the doctor and shares the concern that he may be suffering from polycythemia. The doctor can take over from here, performing the necessary tests and investigations. Once the problem is diagnosed, the doctor will prescribe a suitable course of action.

answered by M W

Thickening of the Blood Information

What blood test do we need to ask our doctor for if we want a test done for thickening of the blood? My husband has a lot of the symptoms.