Osmotic scan ektacytometry in clinical diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
The use of red blood cell deformability measurements in the diagnosis of hemolytic anemia is reviewed.


METHODS
Results from 500 individuals are discussed. Erythrocytes were characterized by the automated measurement of cell deformability as the tonicity of the medium is varied (osmotic scan ektacytometry).


RESULTS
The measurement yields a reliable identification of hemolytic anemias caused by deficiencies or abnormalities in erythrocyte structural proteins. In addition, it can, with good reliability, signal the presence of a glycolytic enzyme deficiency. The scan is complete in 15 min, and can therefore give a rapid indication of the type of hemolytic anemia. The osmotic scans of other hemolytic anemias are also discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
The analysis of red blood cell deformability can offer a valuable addition to diagnostic methods in hemolytic anemia.
Johnson
R M
RM
Department of Biochemistry, Wayne State University Medical School, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Ravindranath
Y
Y
D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D004907:Erythrocyte Deformability; D018056:Hemorheology / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009997:Osmotic Pressure