AIHA stands for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, which is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys red blood cells. The diagnosis of AIHA is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.

The following blood tests are commonly used to help diagnose AIHA:

Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. In AIHA, a decreased red blood cell count (anemia) and changes in other blood cell counts may be observed.

Peripheral Blood Smear: A peripheral blood smear involves examining a sample of your blood under a microscope. In AIHA, it may reveal signs of red blood cell destruction, such as the presence of spherocytes (small, spherical-shaped red blood cells).

Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT, Coombs test): This test detects the presence of antibodies or complement proteins on the surface of red blood cells. In AIHA, the DAT is usually positive, indicating the presence of autoantibodies targeting red blood cells.

Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT): This test is used to detect the presence of antibodies in your blood plasma that may be causing the destruction of your red blood cells. It helps to determine if the AIHA is warm antibody-mediated or cold antibody-mediated.

Immunoglobulin levels: Measurement of immunoglobulin levels, particularly IgG, may be helpful in diagnosing certain types of AIHA, as they can be elevated in some cases.

It's important to note that the diagnosis of AIHA involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional like https://chinnurology.com/, and these tests are just a part of the diagnostic process. If you suspect you have AIHA or have concerning symptoms, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider who cn assess your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance.

Chinn Urology

https://chinnurology.com/

The blood test that confirms AIHA is the Coombs test. A hematoligist will know that.

You may need to get with a Rheumatologist to find out the why and see what autoimmune diseases you have that may have caused or triggered this. I started with Gastrologis to see if I was bleeding internally and I was not. Hematologist is putting me through treatments now to calm my blood with transfusions IVGG and now starting Ratixam for 4 weeks. Per my Rheumatologist have Evan’s disease and Antipsychotic lipid syndrome. I do make sure all doctors are working together and just hope I go into remission.

My hematology doctor was the first to diagnose my AIHA after all the blood tests (CBC, CMP, LDH, Iron tests, DAT, Combs, IGG). Keep a watchful eye on the iron levels. I now take two iron tablets daily on an empty stomach coupled with a chewable C each time (doc said the help absorb the iron...and it worked great)

Initially...my dermatologist was the brilliant doctor that did a biopsy from the skin rashes I had that came back as tumid lupus erythematosus...then the rheumatologist put me on hydroxychloroquine and things immediately got better.

One suggestion I have is to make sure you get all the blood results from the places you go and from all the doctors you see. I put them into a spreadsheet log with dates for columns. This has been a HUGE help as many times the different docs do not see blood tests from the other docs and labs. This is your health... so take control of the information and do not expect the medical professionals to remember these things that effect you.