All of the following are true regarding hemolytic anemia except: March 2008 and 2011, March 2013
High-Yield Explanation
Ans. A: Raised haptoglobin levelsIn hemolytic anemia, the level of unconjugated bilirubin in the blood is elevated. This may lead to jaundice. The level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood is elevatedHaptoglobin levels are decreasedIf the direct Coombs test is positive, hemolysis is caused by an immune process.Hemosiderin in the urine indicates chronic intravascular hemolysis.There is also urobilinogen in the urine. Peripheral blood smear microscopy:Fragments of the red blood cells ("schistocytes") can be presentSome red blood cells may appear smaller and rounder than usual (spherocytes)Reticulocytes are present in elevated numbers.