How is Essential Thrombocythemia Diagnosed?

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is diagnosed through a series of tests including blood tests, bone marrow tests, and imaging tests. These tests help to confirm the presence of the disease and rule out other conditions.

Blood Tests:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the number of blood cells in a sample of your blood. In ET, the platelet count is often high.
• Blood Smear: In a blood smear test, a sample of your blood is examined under a microscope to check the shape and size of your blood cells. Abnormalities in the platelets can indicate a potential diagnosis of ET.
• Genetic Testing: This test is used to identify the presence of gene mutations associated with ET, such as JAK2, CALR, or MPL mutations.

Bone Marrow Tests:

• Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: These tests involve taking a sample of bone marrow from your hipbone to examine under a microscope. Increased number of megakaryocytes (cells that produce platelets) can indicate ET.

Imaging Tests:

• Ultrasound: Ultrasounds use sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your body. They can be used to check for an enlarged spleen, which often occurs in people with ET.

A Summary of Diagnosing Essential Thrombocythemia

Diagnosing ET involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes a medical history, physical examination, and a series of tests. Blood tests are used to check the number and appearance of blood cells and to identify specific gene mutations. Bone marrow tests are used to examine the cells in the bone marrow. Imaging tests can be used to check for an enlarged spleen. The results of these tests help to confirm a diagnosis of ET and rule out other conditions. If you don't currently have an ET specialist on your team, it is important that you consult with one. Use HealthTree's ET Specialist Directory to locate a specialist near you. 

Want to Learn More About Essential Thrombocythemia?

Keep reading HealthTree for essential thrombocythemia's 101 pages!

• What Is Essential Thrombocythemia?
• How Long Will I Live With Essential Thrombocythemia?
• What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Essential Thrombocythemia?
• How Is Essential Thrombocythemia Staged And Classified?
• What Are Treatments For Essential Thrombocythemia?