Mean Corpuscular Fragility (50% LYSIS)
How to prepare
You can eat and drink normally before the test.
No special preparation needed.
Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.
Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.
How it works
About this test
The osmotic fragility test checks how easily red blood cells burst in weak salt solutions. Fragile cells burst sooner, which is typical of hereditary spherocytosis.
Why is this test done?
- Diagnose hereditary spherocytosis
- Investigate haemolytic anaemia
- Screen for thalassaemia (cells more resistant)
Symptoms — when should you get tested?
- Anaemia with jaundice
- Enlarged spleen
- Gallstones at a young age
- Family history of anaemia
Normal range
Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.
If your result is high
Lysis at a higher salt concentration means the red cells are more fragile than normal.
Common reasons- Hereditary spherocytosis
- Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
If your result is low
Lysis at a lower salt concentration means the cells are more resistant than normal.
Common reasons- Thalassaemia
- Iron deficiency
- Liver disease
How is the test done?
- 1Book online
Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.
- 2Blood sample taken
A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.
- 3Tested in our lab
Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.
- 4Report on WhatsApp
A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.
Frequently asked questions
No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.
Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.
Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.
This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.