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Osmotic fragility usually (unless otherwise mentioned) refers to the ease with which Red Blood Cells (RBCs) undergo lysis in a hypotonic solution.

Before knowing what 'low osmotic fragility' means, one should know the concept of osmotic fragility. Different parameters, some of them related to the RBC and some of the extracellular environment have an effect on osmotic fragility.

Low osmotic fragility means that the RBCs have a resistance against undergoing lysis when suspended in solutions which are hypotonic. They undergo lysis only if the solution is extremely hypotonic.

In contrast, high osmotic fragility refers to the tendency of the RBCs to lyse even if the solution in which they are suspended in is mildly hypotonic.

As an example for low osmotic fragility would be thalassemia.

And as an example for high osmotic fragility, spherocytosis (a hereditary condition where the RBCs lose their usual biconcave structure and become spherical) causes increased osmotic fragility. i.e, It very easily lyses even at solutions which are mildly hypotonic...

p.s

Another interesting point to note is that in sickle cell anemia, the RBCs show increased mechanical fragility but decreased osmotic fragility. Elucidated by the fact that post-splenectomy the RBC lifespan increases.

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Q: What does low osmotic fragility means?
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Related questions

Why does osmotic fragility curve have a sigmoidal curve?

The osmotic fragility curve has a sigmoidal shape because red blood cells undergo a gradual increase in fragility as the osmolarity of the surrounding solution increases. Initially, there is little change in fragility as osmolarity increases, followed by a sharp rise in fragility at a certain point, and then a plateau as the cells reach their maximum fragility.


Why does osmotic fragility has sigmoid shape?

the cell respon differently to different solution


What factors affect osmotic fragility tests?

Factors that affect osmotic fragility tests include the pH of the solution, temperature, duration of exposure to hypotonic solutions, and the presence of any interfering substances in the sample. Changes in these factors can alter the erythrocyte membrane permeability and impact the results of the test.


What is osmotic alterations?

Osmotic alterations can be defined as the fragility of the red blood cells in hypo and hyperthyroid patients. Changes in the concentration of the thyroid hormone can affect Na+K+ATPase number and activity and the phpspholipid composition of the cell membranes.


What are the different methods used for osmotic fragility test?

The two common methods used for osmotic fragility test are the incubation method and flow cytometry method. In the incubation method, red blood cells are exposed to a series of hypotonic solutions, and the extent of hemolysis is measured. In the flow cytometry method, red blood cells are incubated with different saline concentrations and analyzed using flow cytometry for hemolysis.


Why would osmotic pressure be low in someone who is starving?

histamines.


Why would the osmotic pressure be low in someone who is starving?

histamines.


What are the consequences of low osmotic pressure in the human body?

Low osmotic pressure in the human body can lead to conditions such as dehydration, hypovolemia (low blood volume), and fluid imbalance. This can result in symptoms like dizziness, low blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances, which can negatively impact the function of vital organs like the kidneys and heart.


Origin of word fragility?

The word "fragility" originates from the Latin word "fragilis," meaning "easily broken" or "brittle." It is derived from the Latin root "frangere," which means "to break." The word fragility is used to describe the quality of being delicate, vulnerable, or easily broken.


What is the definition of osmotic potential?

What is osmotic potential?Osmotic potential is defined as the ability of a solution to suck water in if it was separated from another solution by a semi-permeable (meaning water gets through, but not the solution) membrane. This means that if you have pure water next to salt water, separated by such a membrane, the pure water would run over to the saltwater, while the water in the saltwater would stay where it is. Water, then, always moves towards a higher concentration, from high pressure to low pressure. This is also how trees get water from the roots up to the canopy, as they don't have beating heart like we do. The plants use their osmotic potential to transport water through the cells from the bottom (roots) where the osmotic pressure is high, to the top (canopy) where the osmotic pressure is low. As the water is transported up, the osmotic pressure in the roots sinks, allowing more water to run in from the soil.


When was Human Fragility created?

Human Fragility was created on 2009-10-21.


What does Target cell mean?

Presence of target cells may be due to: Breakdown of red blood cells (decreased osmotic fragility) Deficiency of an enzyme called lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase. Abnormalities of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen (hemoglobinopathies).