The laboratory professional notes about 20% spherocytes on a peripheral blood smear of a 4-year-old boy.An osmotic fragility test is performed.The control shows initial hemolysis at 0.50% NaCl and complete hemolysis at 0.35% NaCl.The patient sample has initial hemolysis 60% NaCl and complete hemolysis at 0.45% NaCl.What does this indicate?
A)The patient is exhibiting increased osmotic fragility.
B)The patient has AIHA.
C)The patient is not exhibiting decreased osmotic fragility.
D)The control is erroneous,so patient results are invalid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The results of the osmotic fragility test show that the patient has increased osmotic fragility, as indicated by the initial hemolysis occurring at a higher concentration of NaCl (60%) compared to the control (0.50%). This finding, along with the observation of spherocytes on the peripheral blood smear, suggests that the patient may have hereditary spherocytosis or another form of hemolytic anemia characterized by increased osmotic fragility. AIHA (Choice B) is not necessarily indicated by these findings and cannot be confirmed without additional testing. Choice C is incorrect because the patient is exhibiting increased osmotic fragility, not decreased osmotic fragility. Choice D is incorrect because there is no indication that the control is erroneous.

The Laboratory Professional Notes About 20% Spherocytes on a Peripheral