Which laboratory finding would indicate hemolysis in an anemic patient?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the specific laboratory finding that would suggest hemolysis in a patient who is anemic. It requires understanding of hematology and the implications of different laboratory tests.
Answer
High reticulocyte count, increased LDH, increased unconjugated bilirubin, decreased haptoglobin.
Laboratory findings indicating hemolysis in an anemic patient include a high reticulocyte count, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), increased unconjugated bilirubin, and decreased haptoglobin levels.
Answer for screen readers
Laboratory findings indicating hemolysis in an anemic patient include a high reticulocyte count, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), increased unconjugated bilirubin, and decreased haptoglobin levels.
More Information
Hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. The bone marrow responds by increasing reticulocyte production, leading to a high reticulocyte count.
Tips
A common mistake is overlooking the combination of tests required to confirm hemolysis. Sometimes, a single elevated value might not be sufficient for diagnosis.
Sources
- Hemolytic Anemias | Choose the Right Test - ARUP Consult - arupconsult.com
- Hemolytic Anemia: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis - PubMed - pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Diagnosis of hemolytic anemia in adults - UpToDate - uptodate.com
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