Which of the following can distinguish immune hemolytic anemia from hereditary spherocytosis in a patient with spherocytes?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A direct antiglobulin test (DAT), also known as a Coombs test, can distinguish between immune hemolytic anemia and hereditary spherocytosis in a patient with spherocytes. A positive DAT indicates the presence of antibody on the surface of red blood cells, which is characteristic of immune hemolytic anemia. Hereditary spherocytosis, on the other hand, is caused by a genetic defect leading to loss of membrane stability and formation of spherocytes, but does not involve antibody-mediated destruction of red blood cells. Osmotic fragility, reticulocyte count, and polychromasia are not specific tests for distinguishing between these two conditions.

Which of the Following Can Distinguish Immune Hemolytic Anemia from Hereditary