In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, what is a characteristic finding on peripheral smear?

In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, the presence of spherocytes is a characteristic finding on peripheral blood smear. Spherocytes are small, round red blood cells that lack the normal biconcave shape, which makes them less flexible and more prone to destruction in the spleen. These cells result from the binding of autoantibodies to the red blood cell membrane, leading to partial phagocytosis of the cell membrane and eventually causing the cells to become spherical. This alteration in shape diminishes their deformability and increases hemolysis.

The mechanisms involved in autoimmune hemolytic anemia often include the production of antibodies against red blood cell antigens, leading to the destruction of these cells in the bloodstream or in the spleen. The identification of spherocytes on a peripheral smear is a key diagnostic clue and helps differentiate this type of anemia from others.

The other options do not typically appear in autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Bands indicate a left shift in neutrophil maturity commonly seen in infections. Teardrop cells are associated with conditions like myelofibrosis. Target cells are usually found in conditions such as liver disease or thalassemia. Thus, the presence of spherocytes is specifically indicative of autoimmune hemolytic