Osmotic Fragility Test

Osmotic Fragility Testing is a simple blood test that facilitates screening. As part of the osmotic fragility test, your red blood cells are added to different solutions with varying salt concentrations. Fragile cells usually indicate hereditary spherocytosis or thalassemia.

With thalassemia, your body produces an abnormal form of haemoglobin, which enables red blood cells to carry oxygen. Hereditary spherocytosis damages the outer layer of red blood cells, which can also cause anemia. Anemia can be characterized by fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, and difficulty exercising.