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Could Dehydration Be A Contributing Factor In Affecting Blood Test Reports?

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Posted on Sat, 19 Nov 2022
Question: Just did a routine physical and fam doc called me back to discuss abnormal results on my hematology. I'm a 28yo male, 5"10/185lb, no meds, no smoking and hx of h.pylori infection.

My bloodwork reads as follows:

Hemoglobin 176 ref range 129-165

hematocrit 0.53 ref range 0.39-0.49

MCV normal

MCH normal

MCHC normal

RDW 12.4 ref range 12.5-17.3

leukocyte normal

platelet 127 ref range 155-372

everything else normal

My fam. doc said to redo my bloodwork again in 1 month non-fasting. Any ideas what might be going on here? I'm wondering if because this bloodwork was done fasting, dehydration might be a contributing factor? (creatinine was normal) I'm at a loss here guys, any help would be appreciated thanks!
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Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Report seems fairly ok

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Your hemoglobin is slightly higher than normal and platelets are marginally low. As you said, dehydration can cause a rise in hemoglobin and hematocrit and thus should not be the cause of worry. You can repeat the test after few weeks or few months and I think it will turn out to be normal.

Only concern with elevated hemoglobin is that of polycythemia but with no symptoms and only marginally increase it is highly unlikely.

Feel free to ask further questions.

Thanks and regards
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Deepak Sundriyal

Oncologist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 1617 Questions

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Could Dehydration Be A Contributing Factor In Affecting Blood Test Reports?

Brief Answer: Report seems fairly ok Detailed Answer: Hello, Your hemoglobin is slightly higher than normal and platelets are marginally low. As you said, dehydration can cause a rise in hemoglobin and hematocrit and thus should not be the cause of worry. You can repeat the test after few weeks or few months and I think it will turn out to be normal. Only concern with elevated hemoglobin is that of polycythemia but with no symptoms and only marginally increase it is highly unlikely. Feel free to ask further questions. Thanks and regards