Lab tests are as follows:

Direct Coombs Test- RBCs are separated from serum and washed, then incubated with antihuman globulin. In the presence of immunoglobulins or complement attached to the RBC's, the blood will agglutinate, thus indicating a POSITIVE test. A positive direct coombs test indicates a possible diagnosis of AIHA
Decreased hemoglobin- depending on bone marrow compensation, this can be mild or severe
Increased reticulocyte count- reticulocytes are immature RBCs that still contain nuclear RNA and therefore stain differently. They are an indicator that the bone marrow is attempting to compensate for anemia. Normally at 1% or less, they can increase to >4% if compensating for severe anemia.
Blood smear- showing spherocytes (spherical RBCs), schistocytes (RBC fragments), or erythrocyte agglutination
Unconjugated bilirubin, LDH, haptoglobin- elevated due to lysis of RBCs, which spills hemoglobin and LDH into the bloodstream. Hemoglobin is either converted to unconjugated bilirubin in the spleen or binds to haptoglobin, thus leading to increased bilirubin and LDH, with decreased haptoglobin

	Created by Claire Campbell almost 8 years ago

CPHON CPHON Exam (Hematologic Disorders) Slide Set on Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, created by Claire Campbell on 15/08/2016.