Hemolytic anemia laboratory findings: Difference between revisions
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==Laboratory Findings== | ==Laboratory Findings== | ||
===Absolute reticulocyte count=== | |||
*[[Peripheral blood smear]] microscopy: | *[[Peripheral blood smear]] microscopy: | ||
Revision as of 14:04, 25 September 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Hemolytic anemia is anemia caused secondary to shortened survival of circulating red blood cells. The normal life span of RBCs is 110 to 120 days. RBC destruction before that time is defined as hemolytic anemia. As opposed to the normal senecence of RBC, the random hemolysis (premature RBC death) is increased in hemolytic anemia.
Laboratory Findings
Absolute reticulocyte count
- Peripheral blood smear microscopy:
- Fragments of the red blood cells ("schistocytes") can be present.
- Some red blood cells may appear smaller and rounder than usual (spherocytes).
- Reticulocytes are present in elevated numbers. This may be overlooked if a special stain is not used.
- The level of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood is elevated. This may lead to jaundice.
- The level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood is elevated.
- Haptoglobin levels are decreased.
- The direct Coombs test is positive if hemolysis is caused by an immune process.
- Hemosiderin in the urine indicates chronic intravascular hemolysis. There is also urobilinogen in the urine.
(Images shown below are courtesy of Melih Aktan MD, Istanbul Medical Faculty - Turkey, and Hospital Universitario La Fe Servicio Hematologia)
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Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
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Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
