Which of the following laboratory signs is indicative of hemolysis?

Elevated reticulocyte count is significant in cases of hemolysis because the bone marrow responds to the increased destruction of red blood cells by producing more immature red blood cells. When hemolysis occurs, the lifespan of red blood cells is reduced, prompting the body to increase production. A higher reticulocyte count serves as an indicator that the marrow is actively working to replace lost cells, which aligns with the body's compensatory response to hemolytic anemia.

In contrast, elevated direct bilirubin would also indicate hemolysis as it results from increased breakdown of hemoglobin; however, it could also be affected by other liver conditions. Decreased LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) levels would not be associated with hemolysis, as LDH levels typically rise during cell breakdown. While low hemoglobin levels might occur due to hemolysis, they are a more general sign of anemia and do not specifically indicate the regenerative response of the bone marrow. Therefore, the elevated reticulocyte count is a direct indicator that the body is reacting to the hemolytic process.