Question 1

What is Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) is a rare blood disorder where the immune system produces antibodies that destroy the body's own red blood cells. It is caused by abnormal antibodies that mistakenly target red blood cell surface antigens, leading to premature destruction of healthy red blood cells. The Antibody Screen, RBC with Reflex to Identification, Titer, and Antigen Typing is the most important test for diagnosing AIHA because it identifies the specific antibodies attacking red blood cells.

Question 2

What causes Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia is caused by abnormal antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly recognize red blood cells as foreign invaders and attack them. These autoantibodies bind to antigens on the surface of red blood cells, marking them for destruction by the spleen and liver. AIHA can develop as a primary condition with no identifiable cause, or as a secondary condition triggered by infections, certain medications like penicillin or cephalosporins, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, lymphomas, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Question 3

What is the best test for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia?

Accepted Answer

The Antibody Screen, RBC with Reflex to Identification, Titer, and Antigen Typing is the most important test for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia because it detects and identifies the specific antibodies attacking your red blood cells. This comprehensive test first screens for the presence of red blood cell antibodies, then automatically performs follow-up testing to identify the exact type of antibody, measure its concentration, and determine which red blood cell antigens are being targeted. This information is essential for distinguishing between warm antibody AIHA and cold antibody AIHA, assessing disease severity, and guiding treatment decisions such as whether corticosteroids, immunosuppressive medications, or other targeted therapies would be most effective.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unexplained fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, pale or yellowish skin, dark-colored urine, or if routine blood work shows unexplained anemia. Testing is especially important if you have an autoimmune condition like lupus, have recently started new medications, or have been diagnosed with lymphoma or leukemia. Early detection through antibody screening helps prevent serious complications like severe anemia, blood clots, or organ damage from inadequate oxygen delivery.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia causes symptoms related to reduced red blood cells and their destruction. You might experience extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath during normal activities, and rapid or irregular heartbeat as your body struggles to deliver oxygen. Additional symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) from the breakdown of red blood cells, dark urine, fever, back pain, and an enlarged spleen that may cause abdominal discomfort. In severe cases, you may have chest pain or feel confused due to inadequate oxygen reaching vital organs.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia?

Accepted Answer

People with autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjogren syndrome have a higher risk of developing AIHA. Those with blood cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or multiple myeloma are also at increased risk. AIHA can affect anyone at any age but is more common in women and people over 40. Additional risk factors include recent viral infections like Epstein-Barr virus or mycoplasma pneumonia, taking certain medications including antibiotics and blood pressure drugs, and having undergone organ transplantation.

Question 7

What happens if Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia can lead to life-threatening complications as your body cannot produce red blood cells fast enough to replace those being destroyed. Severe anemia can cause heart failure because your heart must work harder to pump oxygen-poor blood throughout your body. The rapid destruction of red blood cells can trigger blood clots, increasing your risk of stroke or pulmonary embolism. Other serious complications include irregular heart rhythms, shock from severe blood loss, kidney damage, and in rare cases, death from cardiovascular collapse or multiple organ failure.

Question 8

Can Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia is diagnosed primarily through blood tests that detect antibodies attacking red blood cells. The antibody screen with reflex testing identifies the specific autoantibodies responsible for destroying red blood cells and provides critical information about antibody type and concentration. Additional blood tests include a complete blood count to measure red blood cell levels, reticulocyte count to assess how fast your body is producing new red blood cells, bilirubin levels to measure red blood cell breakdown, and a direct antiglobulin test (Coombs test) to detect antibodies attached to red blood cells.

Question 9

How is Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia treatment focuses on suppressing the immune system to stop it from attacking red blood cells. Corticosteroids like prednisone are typically the first-line treatment to reduce antibody production and decrease red blood cell destruction. If steroids are ineffective or cannot be used long-term, doctors may prescribe immunosuppressive medications such as rituximab, azathioprine, or cyclophosphamide. In severe cases, treatments may include intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), plasmapheresis to remove harmful antibodies, blood transfusions for critically low red blood cell counts, or splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) if other treatments fail.

Question 10

How can I prevent Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia cannot always be prevented since the exact trigger is often unknown, but you can reduce your risk by managing underlying conditions and avoiding known triggers. Work closely with your doctor to control autoimmune diseases like lupus with appropriate medications and monitoring. Be aware of medications that can trigger AIHA and discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider if you have risk factors. Promptly treat infections to prevent immune system dysfunction, and if you have a blood cancer, maintain regular follow-up appointments to catch any complications early. Inform all healthcare providers about your AIHA history before receiving blood transfusions or starting new medications.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia?

Accepted Answer

While medical treatment is essential for AIHA, you can support your recovery at home by getting plenty of rest to help your body conserve energy while managing anemia. Eat an iron-rich diet including lean meats, leafy greens, and fortified cereals to support red blood cell production, and take folic acid supplements as recommended by your doctor. Avoid cold temperatures if you have cold antibody AIHA, as exposure can trigger red blood cell destruction. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol which can worsen anemia, and monitor for signs of worsening symptoms like increased fatigue, darker urine, or yellowing skin that require immediate medical attention.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Blood Test

What is Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)?

What causes Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia?

What is the best test for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia?

When should I get tested for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia?

References

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