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Does a hematocrit of 49.2 indicate polycythemia?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My Hb is 15.8 but HCT is 49.2 and total RBC count is 5.63. What is the reason? I fear about polycythemia. Is it possible to reduce HCT?
Answered by Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan is a seasoned Hematologist and Medical Oncologist with extensive expertise in managing blood disorders and cancers. He provides advanced therapies and individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. His approach combines clinical excellence with compassionate care, aiming to enhance patient outcomes, improve quality of life, and support individuals throughout their journey with complex hematological and oncological conditions.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If you are a smoker, then stop smoking.

At this stage, secondary polycythemia is more common than primary and smoking is the most common reason for secondary.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I am not having the habit of smoking or alcohol. If HCT touches 49.2, is this polycythemia?

Answered by Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan is a seasoned Hematologist and Medical Oncologist with extensive expertise in managing blood disorders and cancers. He provides advanced therapies and individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. His approach combines clinical excellence with compassionate care, aiming to enhance patient outcomes, improve quality of life, and support individuals throughout their journey with complex hematological and oncological conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Do not worry, repeat your CBC after four to six weeks time and upload the report.

With hemoglobin at 15.8, hematocrit should not be 49. Even if it is true, it is the upper limit of the normal range.

I suggest you repeat the test. If it is persistently high, you can do JAk 2 mutation and erythropoietin levels to rule out primary PV.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At March 25, 2018
Reviewed At July 18, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan is a seasoned Hematologist and Medical Oncologist with extensive expertise in managing blood disorders and cancers. He provides advanced therapies and individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. His approach combines clinical excellence with compassionate care, aiming to enhance patient outcomes, improve quality of life, and support individuals throughout their journey with complex hematological and oncological conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan
Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan

Internal Medicine

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Abdul Aziz Khan is a seasoned Hematologist and Medical Oncologist with extensive expertise in managing blood disorders and cancers. He provides advanced therapies and individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. His approach combines clinical excellence with compassionate care, aiming to enhance patient outcomes, improve quality of life, and support individuals throughout their journey with complex hematological and oncological conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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