ASCP Specialist in Hematology (SH) Practice Exam

The lifespan of red blood cells containing Hemoglobin H is typically less than 120 days. Hemoglobin H is a variant formed due to the aggregation of beta chain tetramers that occur in conditions such as alpha thalassemia. These red blood cells tend to have structural abnormalities and are more prone to being removed from circulation prematurely.

Because of their altered structure and functionality, red blood cells with Hemoglobin H experience increased hemolysis, leading to a decrease in lifespan compared to normal red blood cells, which typically live around 120 days. This shortened lifespan contributes to the clinical manifestations of hemolytic anemia associated with conditions where Hemoglobin H is present.

The other options suggest lifespan ranges or durations that exceed this reduced lifespan, which does not apply in the case of red blood cells with Hemoglobin H.