Ordering Recommendation
Functional testing of red blood cell sensitivity to osmotic stress. Do not use to distinguish between spherocytes in hereditary spherocytosis and acquired autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Mnemonic
Methodology
Spectrophotometry
Performed
Mon-Fri
Reported
1-5 days
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
Green (Sodium or Lithium Heparin) or Lavender (EDTA).
Transport 2 unfixed, air-dried, and unstained smears. (Min: 2 smears made from the blood submitted) AND 5 mL whole blood. (Min: 1 mL) Specimens should be refrigerated within 30 minutes after collection. Place both slides and whole blood specimens in an osmotic fragility transport kit (ARUP supply #53821) available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787.
Refrigerated.
Grossly hemolyzed specimens.
Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval
Within normal curve limits.
Interpretive Data
For patients with acute hemolysis, a normal red cell osmotic fragility test result cannot exclude an osmotic fragility abnormality since the osmotically labile cells may be hemolyzed and not present. Recommend testing during a state of prolonged homeostasis with stable hematocrit.
FDA
Note
Hotline History
CPT Codes
85555
Components
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0049015 | Osmotic Fragility | 34964-7 |
Aliases
- FRAGILITY, OSMOTIC (RBC)
- Osmotic Fragility
- RBC Fragility, Erythrocytes
- Red Cell Fragility
- Spherocytic Hemolytic Disease