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Red Cell Osmotic Fragility (Standard Method)

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  • RED CELL OSMOTIC FRAGILITY (STANDARD METHOD)

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About

blood sample
Sample

BLOOD

Gender
Gender

Both

users
Age group

7 years & above

The red cell osmotic fragility test is a diagnostic test that is used to check the health of red blood cells (RBCs). It is a standard blood test, often considered a reliable method to determine if RBCs have a tendency to disintegrate easily.

The primary function of the red blood cells, or erythrocytes, is to deliver oxygen to the tissues in the body. The tissues use this oxygen as energy to perform their respective functions. However, certain conditions may cause RBCs to break apart, namely, thalassemia and hereditary spherocytosis.

Haemoglobin is a protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen for transportation. But during thalassemia, the body starts to make an unusual form of hemoglobin, which may eventually cause the destruction of RBCs.

On the other hand, hereditary spherocytosis is responsible for distorting the shape of the outer layer of red blood cells. This leads to the weakening of the RBCs, resulting in their eventual destruction. Both these conditions eventually cause hemolytic anemia.

To combat these conditions in their early stages, the doctor may recommend a red cell osmotic fragility test. It is a diagnostic blood test that may help in ascertaining if the RBCs are susceptible to breaking.

The procedure of the test is that of a standard blood test. The analysis of the sample is usually done by submerging the samples into a hemodiluted or hypotonic solution. The circumference of red blood cells is made of proteins that hold the cells together. If the cells break in a water-based solution, it is an indication that one of these proteins is weak.

If the cells are fragile and break apart easily, the chances of thalassemia and hereditary spherocytosis are high. These results are usually paired up with an anaemic test to confirm the diagnosis since these conditions are responsible for causing hemolytic anaemia.

Apollo 24|7 offers a red cell osmotic fragility test to help determine the strength of red blood cells. A doctor usually recommends this test if one or more of the following symptoms are consistently present in a patient:

  • Consistent headaches or migraines
  • Dizziness or a feeling of light-headedness
  • Irregular heartbeats and breathing
  • Yellowing of the skin
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Cold hands and feet

Often, these symptoms may be mild or scarcely noticeable. But a doctor might still suggest the red cell osmotic fragility test to rule out the possibility of thalassemia and hereditary spherocytosis.
 

faqFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which test is used to check the health of red blood cells?

The red cell osmotic fragility test determines if the red blood cells are susceptible to breaking. If the test results are positive, i.e., they break easily, it could be an indication of conditions like thalassemia or hereditary spherocytosis. These diseases are responsible for further causing anemia.

What is hemolytic anaemia?

The condition of hemolytic anaemia occurs when your red blood cells get destroyed faster than they can be produced. This condition can develop slowly or rapidly and is usually due to conditions like thalassemia or hereditary spherocytosis.

What is the basis for testing the osmotic fragility of red blood cells in a sample of blood?

To test for osmotic fragility, the red blood cells are first separated from the blood. Next, they are immersed in a hemodiluted or hypotonic solution, which may cause them to swell up and burst. If one of the proteins binding the red blood cells is weak, it may cause the cells to separate. This result could indicate the presence of conditions like thalassemia or hereditary spherocytosis.

How are the test results of the osmotic fragility test interpreted?

The red cell osmotic fragility test involves drawing blood from the arm and sending it for analysis. If the results are positive, it might indicate hemolytic anemia. On the other hand, negative results mean that the proteins binding the red blood cells have not lost their strength.

Why do doctors recommend a red cell osmotic fragility test?

More often than not, doctors advise on a red cell osmotic fragility test if you have a family history of thalassemia or hereditary spherocytosis. They also recommend it to individuals suffering from consistent symptoms like headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and palpitations.

How long do the results of an osmotic fragility test take?

The red cell osmotic fragility is a blood test available in multiple labs. Most of these labs will have the results ready within 48 hours.

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The information mentioned above is meant for educational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute to your Physician’s advice. It is highly recommended that the customer consults with a qualified healthcare professional to interpret test results