Males and females with hematocrit values above 60% and 56%, respectively can be assumed the have absolute erythrocytosis and do not need red blood cell mass measurements.
Diagnosis of absolute erythrocytosis is made when the measured red cell mass is more than 25% above the mean predicted value for an individual’s body surface area.
Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy should be done in all patients with absolute erythrocytosis.
Marrow karyotype studies should be done on all bone marrow samples obtained to evaluate erythrocytosis.
Abdominal ultrasound indicated in all patients.