Laboratory Indicators for Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic anemia is a type of anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. When this happens, RBCs can no longer carry oxygen to the body’s tissues, resulting in anemia. Laboratory tests are used to diagnose hemolytic anemia and to monitor its progression.
Hemoglobin (Hb): Hemoglobin is the protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues. In hemolytic anemia, Hb levels are usually low.
Hematocrit (Hct): Hct is the measure of the portion of red blood cells in a sample of blood. It is usually low in hemolytic anemia.
RBC Count: RBC count is the measure of the number of red blood cells in a sample of blood. It is usually low in hemolytic anemia.
Reticulocyte Count: Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that are made in the bone marrow. A reticulocyte count is used to measure the bone marrow’s response to anemia. It is usually high in hemolytic anemia.
Bilirubin Level: Bilirubin is a waste product of red blood cell breakdown. It is usually high in hemolytic anemia.
LDH Level: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in red blood cells. It is usually high in hemolytic anemia.
RDW Level: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of the variation in the size of red blood cells. It is usually high in hemolytic anemia.
Indirect Bilirubin Level: Indirect bilirubin is a measure of unconjugated (free) bilirubin in the blood. It is usually high in hemolytic anemia.
Haptoglobin Level: Haptoglobin is a protein found in the blood that binds to free hemoglobin and prevents it from being filtered out by the kidneys. It is usually low in hemolytic anemia.
Schistocyte Count: Schistocytes are fragments of red blood cells that have been damaged. A schistocyte count is used to measure the degree of hemolysis, or red blood cell destruction. It is usually high in hemolytic anemia.
