Which of the following is a typical finding in hereditary ...

[D2AR0N]

Which of the following is a typical finding in hereditary spherocytosis?
 
  a. Increased mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
  b. Normal reticulocytes
  c. Reduced fragility of red cells
  d. Normal spectrin

Question 2

Which of the following can distinguish immune hemolytic anemia from hereditary spherocytosis in a patient with spherocytes?
 
  a. Osmotic fragility
  b. Reticulocyte count
  c. Presence of polychromasia
  d. Direct antiglobulin test

[JaynaD87]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
It is common for the MCHC to be abnormally increased greater than 36 g/dL in patients with hereditary spherocytosis. This probably results from cellular dehydration of cells that have gone through the spleen and have low levels of water and potassium. The reticulocyte count is increased, osmotic fragility increased, and spectrin is abnormal.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The immune hemolytic anemias with spherocytes are differentiated from hereditary spherocytosis by the presence of a positive direct antiglobulin test. This test, when positive, demonstrates the presence of antibodies on the red cell membrane.