The in vitro formation of spherocytes is a subsect of hematology that historically has not been the focus of significant research. However, the distinct physiological effects a hypotonic environment can impose on erythrocytes should not be overlooked. A spherocyte is an erythrocyte that is shaped like a sphere, rather than a biconcave disk. This is due to an increased cell volume with an unchanged surface area (from exposure to a hypotonic environment) or an unchanged cell volume with a decreased surface area (resulting from an autoimmune disorder). With spherocytosis comes additional erythrocyte changes, such as, an increased cell thickness and increased cell fragility, both of which can be clinically relevant. When immersed in a hypotonic solution, the solution will enter the erythrocyte to dilute its contents, establishing equilibrium on both sides of the membrane; thus increasing the volume of the cell without changing its surface area, inducing a spherocyte. This study aims to investigate the hypotonic threshold that induces spherocytosis in order to mimic formation in vivo. A Coulter instrument will be used to evaluate the effects of hypotonic spherocytosis on MCV (mean corpuscular volume) and MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) and a spectrophotometer will assess the degree of hemolysis. The results of this study can be used gain insight into proper treatment of near-drowning victims that ingest water into the lungs and across the alveoli into the bloodstream, as well as in patients who are improperly intravenously infused with hypotonic saline, as both cases could lead to the production of hypotonic-induced spherocytes in the patient.

Tim Randolph taught Lauren the intricacies of hematology last semester and has served as her research mentor throughout this project. Tim guided Lauren through the process of operating independently in a lab, but also encouraged her to think through mechanisms and draw her own conclusions. Tim taught Lauren to be more flexible in her thinking and that research is a dynamic process. Lauren has greatly appreciated Tim’s mentorship as she now feels more confident trusting herself to work for a solution rather than always looking to someone else.