What laboratory finding is characteristic of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA)?

In autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a key laboratory finding is the presence of spherocytes on the peripheral blood smear. These spherocytes are abnormally shaped red blood cells that appear smaller and rounder than typical biconcave red blood cells due to the loss of membrane surface area. This alteration often occurs as a result of the immune system producing antibodies that target red blood cells, leading to their premature destruction by the spleen. The formation of spherocytes is indicative of extravascular hemolysis, which is a hallmark of this condition.

In contrast, decreased serum bilirubin, increased serum albumin, and increased white blood cell counts do not typically correlate with AIHA. In fact, in AIHA, bilirubin levels are generally increased due to the breakdown of red blood cells, and white blood cell counts can be normal or vary based on other underlying factors. Increased serum albumin is generally not associated with hemolytic conditions, as hemolysis often accompanies low serum albumin levels due to various underlying pathophysiological processes involved in anemia.