Osmotic fragility

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• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• Multiple punctures to locate veins

Cells that are spherical have a limited capacity to expand and can withstand saltier water without rupturing than can normal red cells (which are indented or concave on both sides). Spherical cells are said to have increased osmotic fragility. Conversely, cells that are flatter than normal have a greater capacity to expand and thus have decreased osmotic fragility.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Review Date: 06/08/2005
Reviewed By: Samer Shihabi, M.D., Sacramento Center for Hematology and Medical Oncology, Sacramento, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.