erythrocyte osmotic fragility

Indications

• evaluation of
  • hereditary spherocytosis
  • thalassemia

Reference interval

• hemolysis occurs within range of 0.3-0.5% NaCl (normal saline is 0.9% NaCl)

Clinical significance

• osmotic fragility is increased if hemolysis occurs in > 0.5% NaCl
• osmotic fragility is decreased if hemolysis is incomplete in 0.3% NaCl

Increases

• causes of increased osmotic fragility
  • hereditary spherocytosis
  • thalassemia

More general terms

• clinical hematology test