Practical for counting and identification of blood cells
2006-12-04 10:47:11 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Polycythemia is a condition where an individual has a raised RBC count. It comes in 2 forms.
Primary Polycythemia is a simple overproduction of RBC because of overactive bone marrow.
Secondary Polycythemia is caused by an increase of perceived need for extra RBC when the body truly doesn't require it.
2006-12-04 13:10:22 · answer #1 · answered by Beef 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two causes. Overproduction of RBC, for various causes, including high altitude, bone marrow problems, etc. If the bone marrow is working overtime to produce RBCs, it'll occassionally throw out an immature RBC - these can be distinguished because they still have a nucleus (called normoblasts).
Or if you're using a sample of blood, it could also mean a reduction in blood plasma - that would mean there were more RBCs per sample of blood. Usually caused by dehydration, loss of extra cellular fluid (not, however, blood loss).
2006-12-05 06:03:39 · answer #2 · answered by caladria 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Living at a higher elevation. Since the oxygen is less dense at higher altitudes the body requires more RBCs to carry oxygen thru out the body.
2006-12-05 00:22:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋