Medical professionals have used the test for over 70 years. Most of them rely on the test for its reliability and accuracy. The osmotic Fragility Test is a blood test where we check the fragility of a blood cell. This shows how much easier blood cells can get apart. There are two conditions in which we need to undergo the fragility test in thalassemia and hereditary spherocytosis (HS). These conditions lead to hemolytic anemia, where a person suffers from a low blood count. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, 1 to 3 people per 100,000 are affected by hemolytic anemia. However, it is one of the fatal disorders if not treated on time. This article will shed light on the overview, purpose, and results. Let's examine all these things deeply. 
In this disease condition, a person's blood cells form abnormal hemoglobin. It is a protein that carries oxygen and helps to transport it all around the body. The process of destruction is high in thalassemia, which leads to anemia.
The person has a problem with the structure of my red blood cells as the outer layer appears to be distorted because of inherent problems. The red blood cells show more fragility than normal red blood cells. Suppose you develop signs and symptoms like anemia, pale skin, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, and growth problems. The doctor becomes more cautious about disease conditions and suggests that you undergo an osmotic fragility test. Other conditions like low folate levels, enlarged spleens, yellowing of eyes like jaundice, and gallstones need an osmotic fragility test. Also, Read MCHC Blood Test Low - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.
Overview of Osmolarity Fragility Test -
You need to give a blood test to check the osmotic fragility test of your red blood cells. Particularly, red blood cells have a membrane that allows water to enter or come out of the cell. This process is called osmosis. If it places a red blood cell in dilute solutions, then RBC absorbs water and makes them swell. If intravascular hemolysis occurs, the osmotic fragility helps to determine how fragile red blood cells are. The values of the osmolarity fragility test play an important role here.Why is the Osmolarity Fragility Test required?
Many doctors demand the osmotic fragility test, especially among infants, to check the family history of thalassemia or hereditary spherocytosis. This test is certainly accurate in detecting disease conditions as early as possible and is cost-effective has made this test common among professionals. The fragility test helps to diagnose two types of hereditary conditions that are given in the following.1. Thalassemia-
In this disease condition, a person's blood cells form abnormal hemoglobin. It is a protein that carries oxygen and helps to transport it all around the body. The process of destruction is high in thalassemia, which leads to anemia.2. Hereditary Spherocytosis-
The person has a problem with the structure of my red blood cells as the outer layer appears to be distorted because of inherent problems. The red blood cells show more fragility than normal red blood cells. Suppose you develop signs and symptoms like anemia, pale skin, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, and growth problems. The doctor becomes more cautious about disease conditions and suggests that you undergo an osmotic fragility test. Other conditions like low folate levels, enlarged spleens, yellowing of eyes like jaundice, and gallstones need an osmotic fragility test. Also, Read MCHC Blood Test Low - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.What do the results of the Osmolarity Fragility Test mean?
The most crucial part of every test is analyzing the results. Though osmotic fragility tests may vary in different laboratories, that is why taking expert advice is mandatory to take. I have shown some results right down below. Let's check out all the normal and abnormal values and their interpretations.- 0.50g/dL of NaCl (unincubated):
- 0.60g/dL NaCl (incubated):
- 0.65g/dL NaCl (incubated):
- 0.75g/dL NaCl ( incubated):
Abnormal Results -
Conditions that have increased osmotic fragility test are in the following.- Poisoning
- Severe burns
- Malaria
- Autoimmune spherocytosis
- Hereditary phagocytosis
- Pyruvate kinase deficiency
- Hemolytic disease of the newborn
- Acquired hemolytic anemia
- Thalassemia
- Reticulocytosis
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
Outlook -
The above paragraph elaborates on the overview of the osmotic fragility test, its purpose, and how to interrupt the results. Always consult with a doctor if you have a positive osmotic fragility test. Some people get mild symptoms. But it is necessary to have this test to know hereditary disease. Watch your symptoms always and report if you need to think of any abnormalities. Specific treatments are required to treat disease conditions. You can also book an appointment at Credihealth to get a diagnosis.Frequently Asked Questions
What principles does the osmotic fragility test work?
It measures erythrocyte resistance to hemolysis by exposing it to various dilutions of normal saline. When cells are dipped in a hypotonic environment, water enters the swells and causes lysis.
What does it mean if I have a positive osmotic fragility test?
You need to further give blood samples to precisely see the results of how fragile your red blood cells are or how easily they break.
What is the G in the fragility test?
The G unit normally shows the fragility test. It is measured for the force exerted on the body by the gravity pull.
How can pH affect osmotic fragility?
The fragility of red blood cells decreases at the temperate and constant pH of 7.7 or increases.
What are the elements that affect osmotic fragility?
There are membrane composition, aquaporin action, lipid peroxidation, eryptosis, and ion transports are the factors that affect osmotic fragility.
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