Osmotic Fragility Testing Flashcards
A measure of the ability of the red cells to take up fluid without lysing.
Osmotic Fragility Test
Principle of Osmotic Fragility Testing:
The osmotic fragility test is a measure of the ability of the red cells to take up fluid without lysing. In this test, whole blood is added to varying concentrations of sodium chloride solution and allowed to incubate at room temperature. The rate of hemolysis is then determined through visual inspection of each saline concentration.
The relative concentration of solutes dissolved in a solution which determine the direction and extent of diffusion.
Tonicity
Solution with the same number of solute particles as the cell.
Isotonic
Solution with fewer solute particles per liter of solution.
Hypotonic
Solution with higher solute particles per liter of solution.
Hypertonic
Red cell with peripheral rim of hemoglobin surrounded by clear area and central hemoglobinized area (bull’s eye).
Target Cell/Codocyte/Mexican Hat Cell
Small, round, dense red blood cells with no central pallor.
Spherocyte
Purpose of doing the Osmotic Fragility Testing.
This test is employed to diagnose conditions in which the physical properties of red blood cells are altered.
The shape of the red blood cells is the primary factor affecting the osmotic fragility test, which, in turn, depends on:
Volume
Surface Area
Functional State of RBC Membrane
Materials needed for Osmotic Fragility Testing:
- 12 test tubes
- Test tube rack
- 0.5% NaCl
- Distilled water
- Sahli pipette
- Heparinized blood
- Dropper
What is the color of the tube stopper used for Osmotic Fragility Testing?
Green Stopper
What is the specimen of choice for Osmotic Fragility Testing?
Heparinized Blood
How many drops of 0.5% NaCl and Distilled Water is placed on test tube 14?
14 gtts 0.5% NaCl
11 gtts Distilled Water
How many drops of 0.5% NaCl and Distilled Water is placed on test tube 15?
15 gtts 0.5% NaCl
10 gtts Distilled Water
How many drops of 0.5% NaCl and Distilled Water is placed on test tube 16?
16 gtts 0.5% NaCl
9 gtts Distilled Water
How many drops of 0.5% NaCl and Distilled Water is placed on test tube 17?
17 gtts 0.5% NaCl
8 gtts Distilled Water
How many drops of 0.5% NaCl and Distilled Water is placed on test tube 18?
18 gtts 0.5% NaCl
7 gtts Distilled Water