What test is used to diagnose hereditary spherocytosis, showing increased osmotic fragility?

The acidified glycerol lysis test is utilized in the diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis by assessing the osmotic fragility of red blood cells (RBCs). In hereditary spherocytosis, the RBCs are abnormally shaped and more prone to hemolysis when exposed to hypotonic solutions. The test involves adding glycerol to a sample of blood to create an acidic environment, which results in increased lysis of the spherocytes compared to normal erythrocytes.

This increased sensitivity to osmotic stress is characteristic of hereditary spherocytosis, helping to differentiate it from other anemias and conditions where spherocytes may be present. In this context, the acidified glycerol lysis test serves as a specific indicator of the disorder, reinforcing the diagnosis in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests.

While the Coombs test is useful for detecting autoimmune hemolytic anemia, hemoglobin electrophoresis is primarily used for diagnosing hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and a bone marrow biopsy is more relevant for assessing hematologic malignancies or disorders related to blood cell production. Hence, the acidified glycerol lysis test is the most appropriate choice for diagnosing hereditary s