University revision · Forensic Science

Forensic Anthropology & Odontology

Question 1 of 9 Course: Biomedical Science(Degree)

Which of the following is a limitation of bite mark analysis as forensic evidence?

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This statement is generally false. The osmotic fragility test measures how well red blood cells can swell in hypotonic solutions before bursting. Spherical cells, which have less surface area relative to their volume, cannot swell as much and lyse more easily (increased fragility). In Immune Hemolytic Anemia, particularly Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (wAIHA), the red cells are often partially phagocytosed by splenic macrophages, which removes pieces of membrane. This loss of membrane causes the cells to become spherical (spherocytes). Therefore, the osmotic fragility of these spherocytes is increased. The test is most classically associated with hereditary spherocytosis, but any condition that produces spherocytes (including immune causes) can yield a positive (increased fragility) result.

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