Hemolytic anemia laboratory findings

Hemolytic anemia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Hemolytic anemia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT Scan
MRI Scan
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Imaging Findings
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Hemolytic anemia laboratory findings On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hemolytic anemia laboratory findings All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Hemolytic anemia laboratory findings
CDC on Hemolytic anemia laboratory findings
Hemolytic anemia laboratory findings in the news
Blogs on Hemolytic anemia laboratory findings
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hemolytic anemia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hemolytic anemia laboratory findings

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.

Laboratory Findings

• 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)

• 

  Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia

• 

  Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia