What term describes an increase in red blood cell mass?

What term describes an increase in red blood cell mass?

• A. Leukopenia
• B. Anemia
• C. Polycythemia
• D. Thrombocytopenia

Answer: (C)

Polycythemia refers to an increase in red blood cell mass, which can occur due to various factors such as chronic hypoxia, polycythemia vera, or increased erythropoietin production. This condition results in elevated red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit levels, leading to increased blood viscosity and potential complications such as thrombosis or hypertension. In contrast, the other terms relate to different blood cell abnormalities: leukopenia indicates a reduction in white blood cells, anemia is characterized by a decrease in red blood cell mass or hemoglobin, and thrombocytopenia refers to a low platelet count. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in hematology as they guide diagnosis and treatment of various blood disorders.

Polycythemia refers to an increase in red blood cell mass, which can occur due to various factors such as chronic hypoxia, polycythemia vera, or increased erythropoietin production. This condition results in elevated red blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit levels, leading to increased blood viscosity and potential complications such as thrombosis or hypertension.

In contrast, the other terms relate to different blood cell abnormalities: leukopenia indicates a reduction in white blood cells, anemia is characterized by a decrease in red blood cell mass or hemoglobin, and thrombocytopenia refers to a low platelet count. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in hematology as they guide diagnosis and treatment of various blood disorders.