Differential Diagnosis of Hemolysis

Abstract

Diagnosis of hemolysis rests on a good history and physical examination and a thorough scrutiny of the peripheral smear. The physician may then wish to proceed to a direct Coombs test, chromium 51 red blood cell survival studies, a Heinz body preparation, an autohemolysis test, osmotic fragility determinations, or a hemoglobin electrophoresis. The sequence will vary with the results.