ABSTRACT
In addition to the core tests for erythrocytes discussed in the previous chapter, there are several tests that can also be employed in studies to investigate toxicological mechanisms that cause anemias. Methods for the counting of reticulocytes and Heinz bodies and measurements of methemoglobin and sulfhemoglobin are included in Chapter 10. An in vitro hemolysis test should always be used for intravenous formulations prior to administration to animals. Many of these tests are often used occasionally or rarely, and they should be validated with compounds known to cause effects that are similar to those associated with the test compound. In this chapter, the following tests are considered:
Osmotic fragility In vitro hemolysis Plasma hemoglobin Plasma haptoglobin Hematuria Fecal occult blood Erythrocyte sedimentation rate Antiglobulin test/Coombs test Plasma lactate dehydrogenase Glutathione Oxygen dissociation curves Porphyrins Erythropoietin Hemorrheology Glycated hemoglobin Micronucleus tests
The descriptions have been kept brief, as most of these tests are not commonly used in toxicology studies, but individually the tests may be useful in the elucidation of toxic mechanisms. Of these tests, only the test for hematuria is commonly used-partly because of its simplicity and combination with other parameters on a urinary test strip.
