Diagnostic Criteria
Hemolytic anemia is a type of anemia that is caused by the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). Diagnosis of hemolytic anemia is based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
The primary diagnostic criteria for hemolytic anemia include:
Anemia: The patient's hemoglobin levels are below normal, indicating a decrease in the number of RBCs in circulation.
Reticulocytosis: There is an increase in the number of immature RBCs in the bloodstream.
Hemoglobinuria: Hemoglobin, a protein found in RBCs, is present in the urine.
Bilirubinuria: There is an increase in bilirubin, a product of RBC destruction, in the urine.
Spherocytes: The shape of the RBCs is abnormal, appearing as small, round cells.
Decreased Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: This is a measure of the rate at which RBCs settle to the bottom of a test tube and indicates that the RBCs have been destroyed.
Increased Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): This is a measure of the average size of a single RBC and indicates that RBCs have been destroyed.
Reticulocyte Count: This is a measure of the number of immature RBCs in the bloodstream.
Direct Coombs Test: This test is used to detect antibodies that may be attached to the RBCs, which could be causing their destruction.
Indirect Coombs Test: This test is used to detect antibodies that are circulating in the bloodstream and could be causing the destruction of RBCs.
In addition to the above criteria, other tests may be necessary to make a diagnosis of hemolytic anemia, such as a complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, and bone marrow biopsy.
If the above criteria are present, a diagnosis of hemolytic anemia can be made. Treatment is then based on the underlying cause of the condition.
