Sugar-Water Hemolysis Test
Alternate Names : Sucrose Hemolysis Test
DefinitionThis is a blood test to detect increased fragility of red blood cells by swelling them in low-salt solution.
Why is the Test Performed?
This test is ordered for suspected paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and for any hemolytic anemia of unkown origin. PNH red blood cells are unusually susceptible to complement (a component of the body's defense mechanism).
When a low-salt solution containing sucrose (sugar) is added to these cells, the complement is activated, binds to the cells, and bursts them.
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