Which laboratory findings are associated with hemolytic anemia?

Which laboratory findings are associated with hemolytic anemia?

• A. Increased hemoglobin, low bilirubin
• B. Decreased hemoglobin, increased reticulocyte count
• C. Normal platelet count, elevated haptoglobin
• D. High iron levels, elevated creatinine

Answer: (B)

In hemolytic anemia, the body experiences the destruction of red blood cells at a rate that exceeds their production. One of the hallmark laboratory findings associated with this condition is a decreased hemoglobin level due to the loss of these red blood cells. As the bone marrow responds to this increased destruction, it ramps up the production of new red blood cells, leading to an elevated reticulocyte count. Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells, and their increased presence indicates that the body is attempting to compensate for the loss of mature red cells. The combination of decreased hemoglobin and increased reticulocyte count assists healthcare providers in diagnosing hemolytic anemia, as these findings reflect both the low red blood cell mass and the compensatory response of the bone marrow.

In hemolytic anemia, the body experiences the destruction of red blood cells at a rate that exceeds their production. One of the hallmark laboratory findings associated with this condition is a decreased hemoglobin level due to the loss of these red blood cells. As the bone marrow responds to this increased destruction, it ramps up the production of new red blood cells, leading to an elevated reticulocyte count. Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells, and their increased presence indicates that the body is attempting to compensate for the loss of mature red cells.

The combination of decreased hemoglobin and increased reticulocyte count assists healthcare providers in diagnosing hemolytic anemia, as these findings reflect both the low red blood cell mass and the compensatory response of the bone marrow.