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Questions and Answers
What is the normal isotonic concentration of NaCl for red blood cells?
0.9% NaCl
How do red blood cells from patients with hereditary spherocytosis react to hypotonic solutions?
They are more fragile and may burst more readily compared to normal RBCs.
What defines a hypotonic solution in relation to NaCl concentration?
A hypotonic solution has a concentration of NaCl less than 0.9%.
How does thalassemia affect red blood cell behavior in an osmotic fragility test?
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What characteristics differentiate a hypertonic solution from isotonic and hypotonic solutions?
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Which statement accurately describes hypertonic solutions in relation to red blood cells?
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What is the expected reaction of normal red blood cells when placed in a hypotonic solution?
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Which of the following best describes the relationship between hereditary spherocytosis and hypotonic solutions?
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What defines isotonic solutions in relation to red blood cells?
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How does thalassemia generally affect red blood cell responses in different tonic solutions?
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Study Notes
Osmotic Fragility Test
- Measures the resistance of red blood cells to hemolysis in hypotonic solutions
- Uses a series of saline solutions with decreasing concentrations to assess osmotic fragility
- Higher fragility indicates increased susceptibility to lysis in hypotonic environments
- Can be used to diagnose various blood disorders, including Hereditary Spherocytosis and Thalassemia
Hereditary Spherocytosis
- Characterized by spherical red blood cells with a reduced surface area-to-volume ratio
- These cells are more fragile and prone to lysis in hypotonic solutions
- Individuals with Hereditary Spherocytosis demonstrate increased osmotic fragility
Thalassemia
- A group of genetic disorders characterized by reduced hemoglobin production
- Results in abnormal red blood cell formation, leading to decreased cell volume and increased osmotic fragility
Red Blood Cell Physiology
- Red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport throughout the body
- Their shape and structure are crucial for efficient function and survival
- Normal red blood cells are biconcave discs, maximizing surface area for gas exchange
Red Blood Cell Tonicity
- Tonicity refers to the relative concentration of solutes in a solution compared to the cell's internal environment
- Isotonic solution: solute concentration matches that inside the cell
- Hypotonic solution: lower solute concentration outside the cell than inside, leading to water influx and potential cell swelling
- Hypertonic solution: higher solute concentration outside the cell, resulting in water efflux and potential cell shrinking
Hypotonic Solutions
- Normal red blood cells: maintain shape and volume in hypotonic solutions due to their flexible membrane
- Hereditary Spherocytosis: fragile cells are more susceptible to hemolysis in hypotonic environments
- Thalassemia: abnormal red blood cells with reduced volume are more prone to lysis in hypotonic solutions
Osmotic Fragility Test
- Measures the susceptibility of red blood cells (RBCs) to lysis in hypotonic solutions.
- Used to diagnose hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and thalassemia.
Hereditary Spherocytosis
- HS is a genetic disorder characterized by spherocytes (abnormally small, round RBCs).
- Spherocytes are more fragile than normal RBCs, leading to increased lysis in hypotonic solutions.
Thalassemia
- Thalassemia is a genetic disorder characterized by defects in globin synthesis.
- Thalassemia causes a decreased production of normal hemoglobin.
- Thalassemic RBCs are also fragile and prone to lysis in hypotonic solutions.
Red Blood Cell Tonicity
- Tonicity refers to the solute concentration of a solution relative to the cell's internal environment.
- Isotonic solution: Same concentration of solutes as the cell's internal environment.
- Hypotonic solution: Lower concentration of solutes than the cell's internal environment.
- Hypertonic solution: Higher concentration of solutes than the cell's internal environment.
Hypotonic Solutions
- Normal RBCs: Can withstand some osmotic stress (hypotonic solutions) due to their flexible membrane.
- Hereditary Spherocytosis: Spherocytes are more susceptible to lysis in hypotonic solutions than normal RBCs.
- Thalassemia: Thalassemic RBCs are also more susceptible to lysis in hypotonic solutions than normal RBCs.
Procedure
- The osmotic fragility test involves progressively decreasing the salt concentration of the test solution.
- Blood is added to each solution, and the degree of hemolysis is measured.
Observation
- The test results are interpreted by comparing the hemolysis pattern of the patient's RBCs to that of normal RBCs.
- In HS and thalassemia, hemolysis occurs at higher salt concentrations (less hypotonic solutions).
- The osmotic fragility test can help distinguish HS from thalassemia.
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Description
This quiz assesses your knowledge of the osmotic fragility test, including its application in diagnosing blood disorders like Hereditary Spherocytosis and Thalassemia. Learn about how red blood cell physiology influences susceptibility to hemolysis in hypotonic solutions.
