OSMOTIC PROPERTIES OF THE ERYTHROCYTE

Abstract

A simple method is described by which it is possible to measure with accuracy the rate of hemolysis where the time involved exceeds approximately 1 sec. If the duration is 10 sec. or more, a complete graphic record of the entire process up to an apparent degree of hemolysis of between 80 and 90% may be obtained. The method may also be used for the accurate determination of the relative numbers of erythrocytes in different suspensions and assuming a satisfactory definition for the expression "percentage of hemolysis," for the rapid estimation of the latter, within the range most useful for experimental purposes, with an error of no more than 1 or 2%.