Which lab test is indicative of hemolysis?

Which lab test is indicative of hemolysis?

• A. Decreased bilirubin levels
• B. Increased haptoglobin
• C. Increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
• D. Stable hemoglobin levels

Answer: (C)

Increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are indicative of hemolysis because LDH is an enzyme that is released into the bloodstream when red blood cells are destroyed. When hemolysis occurs, there’s an increased breakdown of red blood cells, which leads to the release of intracellular contents, including LDH, into the serum. Therefore, elevated levels of LDH serve as a marker for hemolytic processes occurring in the body. The significance of monitoring LDH levels lies in its role as a sensitive indicator of tissue damage and cell destruction. In cases of hemolytic anemia, for instance, LDH can be significantly elevated due to the rapid destruction of red blood cells, reflecting the underlying condition. This makes it a valuable test in the assessment of hemolysis in various clinical scenarios.

Increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are indicative of hemolysis because LDH is an enzyme that is released into the bloodstream when red blood cells are destroyed. When hemolysis occurs, there’s an increased breakdown of red blood cells, which leads to the release of intracellular contents, including LDH, into the serum. Therefore, elevated levels of LDH serve as a marker for hemolytic processes occurring in the body.

The significance of monitoring LDH levels lies in its role as a sensitive indicator of tissue damage and cell destruction. In cases of hemolytic anemia, for instance, LDH can be significantly elevated due to the rapid destruction of red blood cells, reflecting the underlying condition. This makes it a valuable test in the assessment of hemolysis in various clinical scenarios.