How many common laboratory signs typically indicate hemolysis?

Hemolysis is the process of breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs), and it can be identified through specific laboratory signs. Three common laboratory signs typically indicate hemolysis. These signs include the presence of elevated levels of bilirubin, increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and decreased haptoglobin. Elevated bilirubin occurs due to the breakdown of hemoglobin into bilirubin, while increased LDH indicates cellular damage as LDH is released from the lysed RBCs. Haptoglobin levels decrease because it binds to free hemoglobin released from ruptured red blood cells, leading to its consumption in the process. Recognizing these signs is crucial in diagnosing conditions that lead to hemolysis, such as hemolytic anemia or transfusion reactions.