[Classification and diagnosis of hemolytic anemias].

Hemolysis is characterized by shortening of the red cell life span. When the red cell destruction exceeds the ability of the marrow to increase red cell production to compensate for, hemolytic anemias develop. These conditions are subdivided into hereditary abnormalities and acquired abnormalities. Except for PNH, all types of hemolytic anemia due to intrinsic abnormalities are inherited and those of extrinsic ones are acquired. Extrinsic factors include antibodies, physical trauma, biological agents, chemical agents and physical agents. For determining the specific cause of the conditions, anti-globulin test, morphological observation, analysis of hemoglobin, red cell enzyme assay, screening tests for PNH are needed.