A patient's blood film shows a moderate number of spherocytes and polychromasia. Select the best test to distinguish warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia from hereditary spherocytosis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is the best test to distinguish between warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia and hereditary spherocytosis. In warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the DAT will be positive for immunoglobulin G (IgG) bound to the red blood cells, while in hereditary spherocytosis, the DAT will be negative. The other tests listed may be helpful in evaluating hemolytic anemia, but they do not distinguish between the two specific conditions mentioned in the question.

A Patient's Blood Film Shows a Moderate Number of Spherocytes