What abnormal laboratory finding is associated with hemolytic anemia?

Elevated bilirubin levels are a hallmark finding associated with hemolytic anemia. In this condition, red blood cells are destroyed at an increased rate, leading to the breakdown of hemoglobin. During this process, heme is converted into bilirubin, which is then released into the bloodstream. As the rate of hemolysis rises, the liver may not be able to process the resulting bilirubin quickly enough, resulting in elevated levels in the serum. This can lead to jaundice and is a key laboratory finding that helps to confirm the diagnosis of hemolytic anemia.

Other options are less indicative of hemolytic anemia; for example, a decreased reticulocyte count would not be expected because hemolytic anemia typically stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, leading to an increased reticulocyte count. While low hemoglobin and hematocrit are also common in hemolytic anemia, they are not specific to this condition and can arise from many other hematological disorders. An elevated white blood cell count can happen for various reasons, but it is not a direct consequence of hemolysis and thus is not a specific marker for hemolytic anemia.