Heinz Bodies Blood Test

Heinz bodies (also referred to as 'Heinz-Ehrlich bodies') are inclusions within red blood cells composed of denatured hemoglobin. Heinz bodies appear as small round inclusions within the red cell body, though they are not visible when stained with Romanowsky dyes. They are visualized more clearly with supravital staining (e.g., with new methylene blue, crystal violet or bromocresol green). Heinz bodies are formed by damage to the hemoglobin component molecules, usually through oxidant damage by administered drugs, or from an inherited mutation (i.e. change of an internal amino acid residue). As a result, an electron from the hemoglobin is transferred to an oxygen molecule, which creates a reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can cause severe cell damage leading to premature cell lysis. Damaged cells are cleared by macrophages in the spleen, where the precipitate and damaged membrane are removed, leading to characteristic 'bite cells'. The denaturing process is irreversible and the continual elimination of damaged cells leads to Heinz body anemia.

No special preparation is needed for Milk allergy. Inform your doctor if you are on any medications or have any underlying medical conditions or allergies before undergoing Milk allergy. It’s a simple blood test so, it’s better not to eat past hour to get best results. Your doctor depending on your condition will give specific instructions.

A high value (greater than 30%) for the Heinz Bodies Blood Test may indicate: Hemolytic anemia Hemoglobinopathies Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency Recent splenectomy The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a 'stand-alone' test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario.

Process of obtaining blood sample in adults: A band is wrapped around the arm, 3-4 inches above the collection site (superficial vein that lies within the elbow pit) The needle cap is removed and is held in line with the vein, pulling the skin tight The required amount of blood sample is collected by pulling the plunger of the syringe out slowly The wrap band is removed, gauze is placed on the collection site, and the needle is removed The blood is immediately transferred into the blood container, which has the appropriate preservative/clot activator/anti-coagulant The syringe and the needle are disposed into the appropriate “sharp container” for safe and hygienic disposal