Q and A: about health and research

An elevated number of erythrocytes (red blood cells or RBCs) and hemoglobin in the blood can indicate a condition known as polycythemia , or more specifically, polyglobulia . While this can be a temporary and benign finding, it may also be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue — particularly a bone marrow disorder such as Polycythemia Vera (PV) . In this article, we explore what elevated RBC and hemoglobin levels mean, what can cause them, and how PV fits into the picture. What Is an Elevated RBC Count? Red blood cells (erythrocytes) play a crucial role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. Hemoglobin , the iron-containing protein in RBCs, is responsible for binding to and carrying oxygen. Normal RBC Count In a healthy person, the RBC count typically falls within a specific range, usually measured in millions of cells per microliter (million/µL) of blood. These ranges vary slightly based on age, sex, and laboratory standards. An RBC count is co...