MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -The osmotic fragility test (OFT) is used to measure erythrocyte resistance to hemolysis while being exposed to varying levels of dilution of a saline solution. When erythrocytes are exposed to a hypotonic environment, water enters the cell and causes swelling and eventual lysis.

Detailed explanation-2: -One-tube osmotic fragility test (OFT) is the simple test widely used in screening thalassemia heterozygotes or thalassemia traits. Traditional OFT utilizing 0.36% NaCl is simple and easy to perform.

Detailed explanation-3: -These tests are called eosin-5’-maleimide (EMA) and flow-cytometric osmotic fragility test (FOFT).

Detailed explanation-4: -OFT is a semiquantitative test to detect the resistance of red blood cells in different concentrations of hypotonic saline solutions, and positive results are reported in many diseases such as HS, HE, and AIHA.

Detailed explanation-5: -Background: Osmotic fragility test (OFT) is widely considered as a sensitive indicator of red blood cells’ sensitivity to the hypotonic solution. It is often used as a screening test for the diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis (HS).