What condition is most commonly assessed using the red cell survival test?

What condition is most commonly assessed using the red cell survival test?

• A. Hemolytic anemia
• B. Iron deficiency anemia
• C. Sickle cell anemia
• D. Thalassemia

Answer: (A)

The red cell survival test is primarily used to evaluate hemolytic anemia because this condition is characterized by an accelerated destruction of red blood cells. In hemolytic anemia, the lifespan of red blood cells is significantly shortened due to various factors such as autoimmune disorders, certain infections, or genetic conditions. The test measures the proportion of red blood cells that survive in the circulation over a specific period. In this context, the red cell survival test provides critical information about the rate at which red blood cells are being destroyed compared to their production in the bone marrow. An abnormal result, indicating a decreased lifespan of red blood cells, supports a diagnosis of hemolytic anemia. While iron deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, and thalassemia are important conditions affecting red blood cell health, they do not primarily involve the premature destruction of red blood cells as a defining characteristic in the same way that hemolytic anemia does. Iron deficiency anemia relates more to a lack of sufficient iron for hemoglobin production, sickle cell anemia involves a structural defect in hemoglobin leading to causing sickle-shaped cells, and thalassemia is a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin production. These conditions would not typically be assessed directly with a red cell survival test, which is why

The red cell survival test is primarily used to evaluate hemolytic anemia because this condition is characterized by an accelerated destruction of red blood cells. In hemolytic anemia, the lifespan of red blood cells is significantly shortened due to various factors such as autoimmune disorders, certain infections, or genetic conditions. The test measures the proportion of red blood cells that survive in the circulation over a specific period.

In this context, the red cell survival test provides critical information about the rate at which red blood cells are being destroyed compared to their production in the bone marrow. An abnormal result, indicating a decreased lifespan of red blood cells, supports a diagnosis of hemolytic anemia.

While iron deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, and thalassemia are important conditions affecting red blood cell health, they do not primarily involve the premature destruction of red blood cells as a defining characteristic in the same way that hemolytic anemia does. Iron deficiency anemia relates more to a lack of sufficient iron for hemoglobin production, sickle cell anemia involves a structural defect in hemoglobin leading to causing sickle-shaped cells, and thalassemia is a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin production. These conditions would not typically be assessed directly with a red cell survival test, which is why