Hemolytic Anemia Test

Hemolytic anemia is a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. This premature destruction — called hemolysis — can be caused by autoimmune disorders, genetic conditions, certain medications, or infections. People with hemolytic anemia may experience fatigue, jaundice, rapid heartbeat, or dark-colored urine.

Laboratory testing is essential to evaluate red blood cell health, identify possible underlying causes, and guide clinical decision-making. Hemolytic anemia tests help detect abnormal blood cell breakdown, assess markers of red blood cell destruction, and differentiate this condition from other types of anemia.

Ulta Lab Tests provides convenient access to blood tests used to evaluate hemolytic anemia. Whether you’re a patient seeking clarity, a caregiver concerned about symptoms, or a clinician monitoring treatment response, these tests offer fast and reliable insights to support screening, diagnosis, and ongoing monitoring.


Signs, Symptoms & Related Conditions

General Symptoms

  • Fatigue, weakness, dizziness

  • Shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat

Skin & Eye Symptoms

  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

  • Pale complexion

Urinary & Digestive Symptoms

  • Dark-colored urine

  • Enlarged spleen or abdominal discomfort

Related Conditions

  • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

  • Sickle cell disease

  • Thalassemia

  • G6PD deficiency

  • Infections or medication-induced hemolysis


Why These Tests Matter

Laboratory tests provide critical information for detecting hemolysis and differentiating hemolytic anemia from other blood disorders.

What they can do:

  • Identify abnormal breakdown of red blood cells

  • Measure levels of hemoglobin, bilirubin, haptoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

  • Support diagnosis and monitoring of hemolytic anemia

What they cannot do:

  • Determine the exact cause of hemolysis on their own — additional evaluation, such as genetic testing or bone marrow studies, may be needed.

Testing results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider.


How the Testing Process Works

  1. Order Online – Select your test and place a secure order.

  2. Visit a Local Lab – Complete a simple blood draw at a nearby patient service center.

  3. Get Results – Access your results securely online, typically within 24–48 hours.


Interpreting Results

Hemolytic anemia is often suggested by low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, high reticulocyte counts, elevated LDH, indirect bilirubin, and low haptoglobin. However, these results alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. Further evaluation by a hematologist may be required to determine the cause of hemolysis and appropriate management.


FAQs

1. What is hemolytic anemia?
Hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced, leading to fatigue, jaundice, and other symptoms.

2. Which blood tests help detect hemolytic anemia?
Tests may include a CBC, reticulocyte count, bilirubin, LDH, and haptoglobin to measure red blood cell destruction and bone marrow activity.

3. Can lab tests alone confirm hemolytic anemia?
No. Lab tests provide key indicators, but additional evaluation such as genetic testing, antibody screening, or bone marrow studies may be required.

4. How long does it take to get results?
Most results are available within 24–48 hours after your blood draw.

5. Do I need a doctor’s referral to order these tests?
No referral is required. You can order directly through Ulta Lab Tests, though results should be reviewed with a healthcare professional.


Internal Links & Cross References

Available Tests & Panels

Our Hemolytic Anemia test category includes complete blood counts (CBC), reticulocyte counts, bilirubin, LDH, and other key markers used to assess red blood cell destruction. Browse the test panels and individual options below to select the right test for your needs.

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The Hemoglobinopathy Evaluation screens for abnormal hemoglobin variants and thalassemias by analyzing the types and amounts of hemoglobin in blood. This test helps diagnose sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia, alpha thalassemia, and other inherited disorders affecting red blood cells. Doctors use it to investigate anemia, unexplained blood abnormalities, or family history of hemoglobinopathies, guiding diagnosis, genetic counseling, and treatment planning.

Also Known As: Hemoglobin Evaluation Test, Hb ELP Test, Hb IEF, Sickle Cell Screen Test, Hemoglobin Fraction Test, Hemoglobinopathies Test

The Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets Test is a comprehensive blood test that checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The differential analyzes types of white blood cells to detect infections, anemia, clotting abnormalities, immune conditions, and certain cancers. This essential test is often ordered for routine health exams, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress.

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Also Known As: CBC Test, CBC with Differential and Platelets Test, CBC w/Diff and Platelets Test, Full Blood Count Test, Complete Blood Count Test

The ABO Group and Rh Type Test identifies a person’s blood type by determining ABO group (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh factor (positive or negative). This test is essential before blood transfusions, organ transplants, or pregnancy care, where compatibility is critical. Doctors use it to prevent transfusion reactions, manage Rh incompatibility in pregnancy, and ensure safe medical procedures. Results provide vital insight into blood type and overall health management.

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Also Known As: Blood Type Test

Most Popular

The Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Test measures enzyme activity to detect G6PD deficiency, a genetic condition that can lead to hemolytic anemia when exposed to certain foods, infections, or medications. Doctors order this test to assess unexplained anemia, jaundice, or family history of G6PD deficiency. Results help identify individuals at risk for red blood cell breakdown, guiding treatment, prevention, and safe medication use.

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Also Known As: Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Test, G6PD Enzyme Test, G6PD Deficiency Test

The Hemoglobin Test measures the amount of hemoglobin in blood, the protein that carries oxygen to tissues. Low hemoglobin may indicate anemia, blood loss, or nutritional deficiencies, while high levels may suggest dehydration, lung disease, or bone marrow disorders. Doctors order this test to evaluate fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath. Results provide key insight into oxygen transport, red blood cell health, and overall hematologic function.

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Also Known As: Hgb Test

The Reticulocyte Count Test measures immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) to evaluate bone marrow function and red cell production. High levels may indicate blood loss, hemolytic anemia, or recovery from treatment, while low levels may suggest bone marrow failure, nutritional deficiencies, or chronic disease. Doctors use this test to assess anemia, monitor therapy, or track recovery. Results provide key insight into red blood cell health and overall hematologic function.

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Also Known As: Retic Count Reticulocyte Percent Test, Reticulocyte Index Test, Corrected Reticulocyte Test, Reticulocyte Production Index Test, RPI Test

The DNA (ds) Antibody Test detects double-stranded DNA antibodies, often linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. High levels may indicate lupus activity, kidney involvement, or autoimmune flare-ups. Doctors order this test for patients with joint pain, fatigue, rash, or suspected connective tissue disease. Results provide critical insight for diagnosing lupus, monitoring disease progression, and guiding treatment decisions.

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The Erythropoietin (EPO) Test measures levels of erythropoietin, a hormone made by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production. Abnormal levels may indicate anemia, chronic kidney disease, or bone marrow disorders. Elevated EPO can also occur with low oxygen levels or tumors. Doctors order this test for patients with unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, or abnormal blood counts. Results help guide diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of anemia-related conditions.

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Also Known As: Erythropoietin Test

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

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Also Known As: CMP Test, Chemistry Panel Test, Chem Test, Chem 21 Test, Chem 14 Test 

The Babesia microti IgG IgM Antibodies Test detects antibodies to the parasite that causes babesiosis, a tick-borne infection affecting red blood cells. IgM indicates recent or active infection, while IgG suggests past or ongoing exposure. Doctors use this test to diagnose babesiosis in patients with fever, chills, anemia, or fatigue, and to differentiate it from Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses for accurate treatment.

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The Bilirubin Direct Test measures conjugated bilirubin in the blood to assess liver function and bile duct health. Elevated levels may indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, or bile duct obstruction, while low levels are generally normal. Doctors order this test for patients with jaundice, fatigue, or suspected liver disease. Results help diagnose and monitor liver disorders, guide treatment decisions, and evaluate overall hepatic and biliary health.

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Also Known As: Direct Bilirubin Test

The Fractionated Bilirubin Test separates total bilirubin into direct and indirect forms to assess liver and blood health. Elevated direct bilirubin may point to hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstruction, while elevated indirect levels can signal hemolytic anemia or inherited disorders. Doctors order this test for jaundice, anemia, or suspected liver conditions. Results help guide diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of liver and blood disorders.

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Also Known As: Fractionated Bilirubin Test

The Bilirubin Total Test measures the overall level of bilirubin in blood to assess liver function, red blood cell breakdown, and bile duct health. Elevated bilirubin may cause jaundice and indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, or hemolytic anemia. Doctors order this test for patients with yellowing skin, fatigue, or abnormal liver results. Results provide essential insight into liver disease, blood disorders, and bile flow problems, guiding diagnosis and treatment.

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Also Known As: Total Bilirubin Test

The Cardiolipin IgG IgA IgM Antibodies Test detects autoantibodies linked to antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), a disorder that increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and pregnancy complications. Measuring IgG, IgA, and IgM helps identify abnormal immune responses. Doctors use this test to evaluate patients with unexplained clotting, recurrent miscarriages, or autoimmune disease, guiding diagnosis and treatment of APS and related conditions.

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Panel Contains Test: Anticardiolipin Antibodies Test, aCL Antibody Test, Cardiolipin Antibodies Test

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The Cardiolipin IgA Antibody Test detects IgA antibodies to cardiolipin, helping assess clotting disorders, autoimmune disease, and vascular complications. High levels are often linked to antiphospholipid syndrome, pregnancy loss, or thrombotic conditions. This test provides insight into immune activity, coagulation balance, and systemic disorders influenced by antibody-mediated vascular dysfunction.

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The Cardiolipin IgG Antibody Test detects IgG antibodies to cardiolipin, often associated with autoimmune disease. Abnormal results may indicate antiphospholipid syndrome, blood clotting disorders, or pregnancy complications. This test provides insight into thrombotic risk, vascular health, systemic inflammation, and immune activity linked to autoimmune conditions and antibody-mediated disease.

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The Cardiolipin IgM Antibody Test measures IgM antibodies linked to antiphospholipid syndrome and autoimmune disorders. It helps evaluate unexplained blood clots, recurrent miscarriages, or abnormal clotting events. By detecting immune system activity against phospholipids, this test supports the assessment of vascular health, autoimmune activity, and risks related to thrombosis or systemic lupus erythematosus.

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The Direct Antiglobulin Test with Reflex to Anti C3 and Anti IgG evaluates immune-mediated red blood cell destruction by detecting antibodies or complement proteins. Abnormal findings may suggest autoimmune hemolytic anemia, drug-induced hemolysis, or transfusion reaction. Reflex testing helps distinguish complement activation from IgG involvement, offering insight into immune regulation and hematologic health.

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Also Known As: Direct Coombs Test, Coombs Direct Test, DAT Test

The Hepatic Function Panel Test measures liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin to assess liver health and function. It includes ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, total protein, and bilirubin levels. Abnormal results may indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, or bile duct problems. Doctors use this test to investigate jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain, or fatigue and to monitor liver disease, alcohol use, or medication side effects affecting liver function.

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Also Known As: Liver Function Panel Test, LFT

The Liver Function Panel, also known as a Hepatic Function Panel, measures proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin to assess liver health and function. It helps detect liver disease, monitor liver conditions, and evaluate the effects of medications or other factors on liver performance.

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Also Known As: Hepatic Function Panel Test, HFP Test

The Obstetric Panel is a prenatal blood test panel that screens for conditions affecting pregnancy and maternal health. It typically includes a Complete Blood Count, blood typing with Rh factor, antibody screen, and infectious disease testing such as hepatitis B, syphilis, rubella, and HIV. Doctors use this panel in early pregnancy to evaluate overall health, identify risks, and ensure safe monitoring for both mother and baby.


The Unstable Hemoglobin Test detects abnormal hemoglobin variants prone to instability and breakdown, which can cause hemolytic anemia. Unstable hemoglobins may lead to premature red blood cell destruction, anemia, jaundice, or splenomegaly. This test helps identify hereditary hemoglobin disorders, supports differential diagnosis of unexplained hemolysis, and provides insight into genetic causes of red cell fragility.

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Have you been feeling fatigued recently? Or maybe you’ve been feeling feverish, confused, dizzy, or weak. Perhaps there are signs of a serious underlying condition, such as an increased heart rate or dark urine.

If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms, you might be suffering from hemolytic anemia.

While this can be worrying, you can, fortunately, identify the problem and treat it accordingly with lab tests for hemolytic anemia.

In this article, we’ll review everything you need to know about hemolytic anemia and how getting a lab test can help you.

Finally, you can find out if you have hemolytic anemia and get the treatment you need to be healthy. Read on to learn more.

What Is Hemolytic Anemia?

Hemolytic anemia is a condition in which your red blood cells are being destroyed faster than they can be made. Your red blood cells have an essential mission, to carry oxygen from your lungs through your body and toward your heart.

Your bone marrow creates your red blood cells. However, when your red blood cells are destroyed at a faster rate than your bone marrow can produce, your total red blood cell count will go down, resulting in hemolytic anemia.

When this occurs, you are experiencing hemolytic anemia.

About Hemolytic Anemia

There are two types of hemolytic anemia. The first is extrinsic hemolytic. When this occurs, it develops in a variety of ways. It can be caused by autoimmune hemolytic anemia or by your spleen trapping and destroying healthy red blood cells. Other causes can include:

  • Tumors
  • Infection
  • Side effects of medication
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Lymphoma
  • Leukemia

The other type of hemolytic anemia is intrinsic hemolytic. When this occurs, the blood cells your body produces aren’t functioning properly. These conditions are usually inherited. For example, thalassemia or sickle cell disease can cause you to have abnormal hemoglobin.

Risk Factors for Hemolytic Anemia

The risk of hemolytic anemia can be higher for people with atypical pneumonia and viral infections such as mononucleosis. Additionally, certain medicines can make it more likely for people to get it, as can certain cancers. These cancers include lymphoma and leukemia.

Anyone with a family history of hemolytic diseases or an autoimmune collagen-vascular disease, like systemic lupus erythematosus, is also at risk.

Causes of Hemolytic Anemia

Causes of hemolytic anemia include intravascular hemolysis, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, hereditary spherocytosis, and cold agglutinin disease. Any disease or condition that destroys red blood cells can cause hemolytic anemia, such as:

  • Intravascular hemolysis
  • Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
  • Hereditary spherocytosis
  • Cold agglutinin disease

Other causes also include:

  • Infectious hepatitis
  • An enlarged spleen
  • Typhoid fever
  • The Epstein-Barr virus
  • The E. coli toxin
  • HELP syndrome
  • Wiskot Aldritch syndrome

Specific medications that can cause drug-induced hemolytic anemia include certain antibiotics, acetaminophen (more commonly known as Tylenol), and ibuprofen.

They also include chlorpromazine, procainamide, interferon-alpha, rifampin, and quinidine.

Additionally, if you got a blood transfusion and were given the wrong blood type, this can cause severe hemolytic anemia.

Signs and Symptoms of Hemolytic Anemia

Signs and symptoms of hemolytic anemia include:

  • Fatigue
  • Paleness of the skin
  • Confusion
  • Fever
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Weakness
  • Inability to do physical activity
  • A heart murmur
  • An enlarged spleen
  • An increased heart rate

Other signs and symptoms include an enlarged spleen and jaundice, where your skin and the whites of your eyes go yellow.

Lab Tests for Hemolytic Anemia

There are several hemolytic anemia tests available. In addition to the physical exam, there are lab tests that include blood tests such as a reticulocyte count test, a peripheral smear (also called the blood smear), and a Coombs’ test.

They also include liver function, hemoglobin, and bilirubin tests. Let’s review all of these in detail now.

Reticulocyte Count Test

When you take this hemolytic anemia lab test, the hemolysis labs practitioner will determine the percentage or number of reticulocytes in your blood. This will help them determine whether you have an issue with conditions like bone marrow disorders or anemia.

Peripheral Smear

The peripheral smear, or blood smear, can be used to determine many blood-related issues, such as problems with platelets (white blood cells) and red blood cells. They’ll be able to confirm if your red blood cell count is low and whether you have sickle cell disease.

They’ll get a step closer to understanding if you have hemolytic anemia and what the underlying cause is.

The Coombs’ Test

A Direct Antiglobulin Test, (DAT) also known as Coombs’ test, can determine if antibodies act against your red blood cells’ surfaces. If these antibodies are present, this will confirm that you have hemolytic anemia.

Liver Function Test

This test measures the bilirubin, liver enzymes, and protein levels present in your blood. With these measurements, the lab practitioner will be able to find out whether the condition causing your symptoms is hemolytic anemia.

Hemoglobin Test

With this test, you’ll get an indirect reflection of the red blood cell amount you have circulating within your blood. Specifically, it measures the protein that carries oxygen within the red blood cells going through your body.

Bilirubin Test

Finally, there’s the bilirubin test. This test will measure bilirubin levels in your blood. Bilirubin is the blood cell hemoglobin that has been broken down and processed by your liver. This will help determine if you have hemolytic anemia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hemolytic Anemia and Lab Testing for Hemolytic Anemia

There are several frequently asked questions that you may be asking yourself about hemolytic anemia. We’ll review them now so that you can get all the questions answered before deciding whether or not you want to take a test.

What Type of Doctor Does Hemolytic Anemia Treatment?

Usually, your family physician or your child’s pediatrician will diagnose hemolytic anemia. If necessary, they’ll refer you to a hematologist. This is a doctor who specializes in conditions such as hemolytic anemia.

What Complications Can Hemolytic Anemia Lead To?

If left untreated, hemolytic anemia can lead to kidney failure, which is dangerous, or to gallstones, downright unpleasant. Another worrying complication it can lead to is heart failure. For this reason, it’s important to get a test for this condition.

Can I Learn More About Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

If the mother’s blood group or Rh-factors do not match with those of her newborn, this can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn. When this happens, the newborn can end up experiencing edema or newborn jaundice.

Treatment requires the baby with blood transfusions and providing the mother with the RhoGAM injection.

Benefits of Hemolytic Anemia Lab Testing With Ulta Lab Tests

Ulta Lab Tests offers tests that are highly accurate and reliable so that you can make informed decisions about your health. Benefits include secure and confidential results, no insurance or referral needed, affordable price including the doctor’s order, and more.

Secure and Confidential Results

Your results are secure and confidential when you book a lab test for hemolytic anemia with Ulta Lab Tests. Results will be sent directly to you and no one else, so you can feel comfortable knowing you’re taking care of your health without having to worry about anyone else seeing your results.

No Insurance or Referral Needed

One of the reasons you may be hesitant to get a test is because you don’t have insurance. You might not be able to afford a doctor to give you a referral. We cut through all this red tape and make tests available to you.

Affordable Pricing Including the Doctor’s Order

We also make our pricing affordable to get the test you need without paying an exorbitant amount. This includes the Doctor’s Order, which saves you more money than you’d have to pay for the traditional route.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Finally, we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This can give you the assurance you need when taking a test with us.

Want to Order Your Hemolytic Anemia Test?

Now that you’ve read about the benefits of testing for hemolytic anemia, results, and treatment options, you might be thinking of ordering a test. In this case, you should look no further than Ulta Lab Tests, as we have the most affordable, secure, and thorough testing available.

Order your Hemolytic Anemia lab test today, and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

Take charge of your health and track your progress with Ulta Lab Tests.