Is a bone marrow puncture required for a hemoglobin level of 190 g/L?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been feeling unwell. During an examination, my hemoglobin level was found to be 190, and a bone marrow puncture may be needed. I would like to ask, is a bone marrow puncture necessary for a hemoglobin level of 190?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Hemoglobin is an important protein within red blood cells in the blood, responsible for carrying oxygen to all tissues in the body.
The normal range for hemoglobin in adult males is 120-160 g/L, and in adult females is 110-150 g/L. If hemoglobin reaches 190 g/L, it is significantly elevated and may be caused by myeloproliferative disorders. In such cases, a bone marrow puncture is recommended for a definitive diagnosis.
Bone marrow puncture can assess the proliferation of red blood cells in the bone marrow and is significant for diagnosing hematologic diseases. If diagnosed with a hematologic disorder such as polycythemia vera, timely treatment is necessary to prevent disease progression.
If elevated hemoglobin is not caused by a hematologic disease, such as in cases of high altitude reaction or emphysema, bone marrow puncture may not be necessary. However, further investigation to determine the underlying cause is needed, along with appropriate treatment measures.
Therefore, when hemoglobin levels reach 190 g/L, the need for bone marrow puncture should be determined by comprehensively evaluating the patient's specific symptoms, signs, and potential contributing factors.
