A patient presents with complaints of red-tinged urine in the mornings and symptoms of anemia.The health-care provider suspects a rare form of intravascular hemolytic anemia.Which test would be most appropriate to confirm this suspicion?
A)Ham's test for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)
B)Haptoglobin
C)Hemoglobin electrophoresis
D)Hemosiderin

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms of red-tinged urine in the mornings and symptoms of anemia, along with suspicion of a rare form of intravascular hemolytic anemia indicate the need for a Ham's test for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). This test specifically looks for the presence of PNH clone in the red blood cells, which is responsible for the intravascular hemolysis. Haptoglobin levels can also be decreased in hemolytic anemia, but it is not specific to PNH. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is used to diagnose hemoglobinopathies, not intravascular hemolysis. Hemosiderin levels may be elevated in cases of hemolysis or other conditions, but it is not specific to PNH.

A Patient Presents with Complaints of Red-Tinged Urine in the Mornings