The Optical Method Of Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility Investigation In Family Doctor Practice

Background. Quick and effective assessment of erythrocyte osmotic fragility allows a better monitoring ill subjects' condition and effectiveness of used medicines.Objectives. The presentation of the optical method of erythrocyte osmotic fragility estimation.Material and methods. The venous blood was drawn from five healthy subjects. The erythrocyte suspensions of 1% hematocrit in isotonic and hypotonic NaCl solutions were prepared. The experimental setup measuring unscattered component of light passing through erythrocyte suspension of different thickness was used, what allows macroscopic scattering coefficient of light assessment.Results. Scattering light coefficient from 0.63% to 0.9% of NaCl concentrations attained similar values. Below this concentration of NaCl, this coefficient suddenly decreased. Finally in the concentrations range from 0.09 to 0.36% this coefficient became close to zero.Conclusions. Macroscopic scattering coefficient of erythrocyte suspension can be used as a measure of erythrocyte osmotic fragility.