My blood tests always haemolyse which is making diagnosis difficult

[Colinfb]

My London NHS haematologist strongly suspects APS with haemolytic anaemia, after DVT in both legs and pulmonary embolism August 2020. I am currently on apixaban 5 mg twice daily. However, despite numerous blood tests over the last eighteen months the lab reports that a full blood count cannot be done since my specimens always haemolyse and cannot be analysed. Does anyone know the answer to this?

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

There are specialist blood tests whereby the sample is analysed immediately. Usually, blood samples are not analysed immediately, which means they can’t get a full blood count for you.

If hemolysis is suspected, a peripheral smear is examined and serum bilirubin, LDH, haptoglobin, and ALT are measured. The peripheral smear and reticulocyte count are the most important tests to diagnose hemolysis.

Has this been done?

With good wishes,

Ros

[Colinfb in reply to lupus-support1]

Thank you. This is very helpful. I shall discuss it with my doctor.

[lupus-support1 Administrator in reply to Colinfb]

I hope you get the treatment you need asap!

Be well!

[reddogger]

In the US i was confirmed to have APS after a massive PE and these tests: anticardiolipin, beta-2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI), and lupus anticoagulant. Currently i an finding out that some blood thinners are considered more appropriate than others for APS as some can make things worse. Apparently my blood thinner is bad for APS 3. Currently i am APS 2 but have had 1 test positive so far for APS 3 and so am going to be switched to something different. will find out what that is this week and post my experience after the switch.

I dont know what your drs criteria is for diagnosing APS but whatever it is it seems that knowing more about it can help with determining some treatment choices.

Hope this is useful

[Colinfb in reply to reddogger]

Many thanks for this information. There is so much to learn about this condition. I hope that your current medication is working well for you.

[MaryF Administrator in reply to Colinfb]

Thanks. MaryF

[MaryF Administrator]

Just to rule it out do get your GP to test your B12, and be aware it is set quite low in the UK, often something missed. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl.... Not saying it is hat but be good to check it out. MaryF

[Colinfb in reply to MaryF]

Thank you. I shall do.

[MaryF Administrator in reply to Colinfb]

If your Folate is low and your homocysteine is rising that is a clue that it is not right. MaryF