Answer 4 Red cell mass determination. The red cell mass is the preferred diagnostic method for polycythemia vera. The red cell mass is measured with radioactive chromium (51Cr)-labeled erythrocytes. An erythrocyte mass greater than 36 mL/kg in men (normal, 28.3 ± 2.8 mL/kg) and greater than 32 mL/kg in women (normal, 25.4 ± 2.6 mL/kg) is considered diagnostic. Click here to return to the questions

Click here to read more about Pruritus: A Sign of Underlying Disease (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) Check our archives to test your knowledge in other clinical signs: If you do not already have Acrobat Reader, simply click on the icon below, scroll down to the "Get the Free Acrobat Reader" heading and follow the instructions to install the program. Acrobat enables you to convert any document into an Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) file for easy viewing. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader

Hospital Physician     JCOM     Seminars in Medical Practice Hospital Physician Board Review Manuals About TWC    Subscribe    Contact TWC    Home    Search   Site Map Copyright © 2008, Turner White Communications Updated 1/04/08 • kkj