Polycythemia (Elevated Haematocrit)

This condition is treated in the Haematology (including oncological disorders) clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

Polycythemia is a primary or secondary phenomenon.

Secondary causes of polycythemia generally relate to smoking or other chronic lung pathologies.  Consider referral to Respiratory Clinic for the primary condition.

Primary polycythemia (myeloproliferative neoplasm: polycythemia vera) should be considered in the presence of splenomegaly.

All referrals should comply to referral standards referral standards and include in particular:

• Relevant investigations, including previous results to assess temporal pattern
• Relevant clinical findings including splenomegaly

Tests

• Jak-2 (positive) and erythropoietin (low/low-normal) are useful blood tests to further investigate suspected primary polycythemia
  (Jak-2 negative polycythemia is rare)

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Haematology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Cessation to smoking.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Availability

North

Launceston General Hospital
Level 1 - W.P. Holman Clinic
Phone: 03 6777 6140
Fax: 03 6331 6371

North West

North West Regional Hospital > Mersey Community Hospital
Torquay Road Latrobe TAS 7307

Visit Northern Cancer Service

South

Royal Hobart Hospital (Level 1 - A Block)

Phone (appointments): 03 6166 6655
Phone (clinic nurses): 03 6166 6637
Fax: 03 6173 0484