fra·gil·i·ty test

a test that measures the resistance of erythrocytes to hemolysis in hypotonic saline solutions; erythrocytes to be tested are added to varying concentrations of saline (usually ranging from 0.85-0.10% sodium chloride with 0.05% increments), and beginning and complete hemolysis are measured; normal erythrocytes show initial hemolysis at concentrations of 0.45-0.39% and complete hemolysis at 0.33-0.30%; in hereditary spherocytosis, the fragility of the erythrocytes is markedly increased, whereas in thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and obstructive jaundice the fragility of the erythrocytes is usually reduced.

Synonym(s): erythrocyte fragility test

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

fragility test

(1) Capillary fragility test, see there.
(2) Osmotic fragility test, see there.

fra·gil·i·ty test

(fră-jil'i-tē test)

A measurement of the resistance of erythrocytes to hemolysis in hypotonic saline solutions; erythrocytes to be tested are added to varying concentrations of saline and beginning and complete hemolysis are measured; in hereditary spherocytosis, the fragility of the erythrocytes is markedly increased, whereas in thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, the fragility of the erythrocytes is usually reduced.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

For example, in rural area where equipment or expertise is scarce, One Tube Osmotic Fragility Test (OTOFT) is a simple test that can be done to examine carriers [23].

Low Hemoglobin among Pregnant Women in Midwives Practice of Primary Health Care, Jatinangor, Indonesia: Iron Deficiency Anemia or [beta]-Thalassemia Trait?

Naked eye single tube red cell osmotic fragility test for beta thalassemia population survey.

A study of thalassemia screening of 1000 medical students and comparison of various screening methods

The primary tests include osmotic fragility test, hemoglobin electrophoresis, G6PD and PK enzyme levels.

An infant with chronic hemolytic anemia

Results of modified one tube osmotic fragility test (OF) and dichlorophenolindophenol precipitate (DCIP) test, hematological analyses for 12 participants.

Preliminary study on Thalassemia screening and genetic counseling in selective Hmong people in Saraburi Province, Thailand

A A peripheral blood osmotic fragility test has traditionally been considered important in the workup of hereditary spherocytosis (HS).

There are several different tests available for HS, including the osmotic fragility test, acidified glycerol lysis test, osmotic gradient ektacytometry, hypertonic cryohaemolysis test, and eosin-5-maleimide binding test.

Utility of osmotic fragility test

If these laboratory tests are suggestive and there is a family history of anemia, you still may wish to perform a definitive osmotic fragility test. Treatment for this condition is splenectomy after which spherocytosis persists, but the anemia, if it was present, improves.

Answering your questions on odd urine specific gravities, sendout handling fees, osmotic fragility method, and blood culture contamination rate. (Tips from the clinical experts)

Renal function tests, haemoglobin electrophoresis, Coomb's and osmotic fragility tests done in the past were normal.

Hereditary Thrombotic Purpura

Screening for thalassemias and hemoglobinopathies was carried out by microscopic examination of a stained peripheral slide, osmotic fragility tests, measurement of serum ferritin, cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for Hb variants quantitation, alkaline and acid pH electrophoresis, sickle test, and DNA analysis when required.

Compound heterozygosity for Hb D-Punjab / [beta]-thalassemia and blood donation: case report/Hb D-Punjab / [beta]-talasemi ve kan bagisi icin bilesik heterozigozite: olgu raporu