Hematologist (Pediatric) Questions Blood Tests

What could be the cause of high hemoglobin levels?

Blood test showed that my daughter's hemoglobin levels are high? What causes high hemoglobin levels in children? We have an appointment soon to discuss the results of her test.

2 Answers

High hemoglobin level most often causes by low oxygen (O2) level (hypoxia). Common reasons include bone marrow disease that causes abnormal increase in red blood cells (polycythemia vera) congenital heart disease, cancer, lung disease, kidney disease, and liver disease. Things that could help you are drinking plenty of water (dehydration), quitting smoking, stopping the consumption of iron-containing multivitamins. Consult an endocrinologist or your healthcare provider. Thank you.
If the hg is a little high this can be dehydration. If it is very high you would worry about a clotting disorder. Stop any vitamins with iron and make sure she is getting plenty of fluids. Most often this is lab error make sure the blood was drawn from free flowing venous stick.