Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a clinical condition characterized by autoantibody-mediated hemolysis with or without activation of the complement system. Several mechanisms are considered responsible for autoantibody genesis and hemolysis; for example, the alterations in the environment of cell ontogeny and maturation, and the antigen processing. However, hemolysis of immune origin is only one cause of hemolytic anemia, among others.It is estimated that two-thirds of the cases of AIHA are secondary conditions and accompany other hematological pathologies. In recent decades, the understanding of the nature of immune complexes composed by IgG, IgM, IgA and complement fractions has provided relevant information for the treatment and prognosis of patients. This review aims to describe the basic concepts and classification of AIHA, to identify the usefulness of the monospecific direct antiglobulin test in the detection of immune complexes associated with the disease and, finally, to describe the relationship between AIHA and other hematological pathologies.