Osmotic Fragility, Erythrocytes
Use
This test is useful for evaluating suspected hereditary spherocytosis-associated hemolytic anemia and confirming or detecting mild spherocytosis. Spherocytes are osmotically fragile cells that rupture more easily in a hypotonic solution than normal red blood cells due to their low surface area to volume ratio. The test measures the degree of hemolysis in spherocytes, which is typically more pronounced in hereditary spherocytosis than other causes of spherocytosis.
Special Instructions
Patient's age is required for the test. Both patient and shipping control whole blood specimens are needed. The specimens must arrive within 72 hours of collection and be handled identically from collection through receipt in the testing laboratory. Improper handling may lead to test cancellation.
Limitations
Osmotic fragility results will be reported if the shipping control is normal. If the shipping control is abnormal, a comment will be added to the report. The test will be canceled if both patient specimen and shipping control are abnormal. Conditions like immunohemolytic anemia or recent blood transfusion may affect test results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 98904-6
- 34964-7
- 23915-2
- 23918-6
- 23920-2
- 23921-0
- 59466-3
- 40431-9
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Container
Lavender top (EDTA)
Collection Instructions
Collect patient specimen and label accordingly. Keep refrigerated or on cold gel pack. Send in original tube without aliquoting.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate or use cold gel pack.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, clotted blood
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |