ASCP Specialist in Hematology (SH) Practice Exam

Hemolytic anemia is characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs), which leads to a reduction in their lifespan. In a healthy individual, red blood cells have a lifespan of about 120 days; however, in hemolytic anemia, this lifespan is significantly shortened due to various factors such as autoimmune disorders, infections, or inherited conditions. As the body struggles to produce enough new red blood cells to compensate for the loss, anemia develops.

The destruction of blood cells can occur through different mechanisms, including the immune system mistakenly attacking the RBCs or through mechanical destruction. This means that patients with hemolytic anemia often exhibit symptoms associated with both anemia (like fatigue and pallor) and effects related to the breakdown of red blood cells, such as jaundice due to the release of bilirubin when hemoglobin is degraded.

Understanding the etiology and mechanisms behind hemolytic anemia is crucial, as it can influence treatment approaches, which may include immunosuppressive therapy, corticosteroids, or other interventions targeted at addressing the underlying cause of the hemolysis.