ASCP Specialist in Hematology (SH) Practice Exam

The type of cells that typically show a decrease in lifespan due to compromised membranes are hemoglobin H-containing red blood cells. These cells are associated with a form of alpha-thalassemia where there is an excess of beta-globin chains, leading to the formation of unstable tetramers known as Hemoglobin H. The presence of these abnormal hemoglobin molecules can result in membrane instability, which makes the red blood cells more susceptible to hemolysis, thereby shortening their lifespan.

The compromised integrity of the cell membranes in these cells is a significant factor in their early destruction in the spleen or through other mechanisms in circulation, resulting in a reduced lifespan compared to normal red blood cells. This is a key aspect in understanding hemoglobinopathies and the pathophysiology of conditions like alpha-thalassemia.