In patients with PNH, the sucrose solution in the sugar water test for PNH provides a low ionic strength environment that allows _______ to bind to the RBCs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sugar water test for PNH involves injecting a small amount of a sucrose solution into a patient's vein, and then collecting a blood sample. In normal individuals, the sucrose solution will cause the RBCs to clump together due to the increased ionic strength environment. However, in patients with PNH, the sucrose solution provides a low ionic strength environment that allows complement to bind to the RBCs, causing lysis and the release of hemoglobin into the plasma. Therefore, the correct answer is C, complement. IgM and IgG immunoglobulins are not directly involved in the sugar water test for PNH.

In Patients with PNH, the Sucrose Solution in the Sugar