Abstract
A model for changes in the sizes of erythrocytes under conditions of osmotic imbalance in a hypoosmotic medium is proposed assuming free diffusion of water through the erythrocyte membrane. Equations relating the minimum and maximum osmotic resistances to the shape of an erythrocyte in an isotonic medium are obtained. A numerical simulation is used to determine how the optical attenuation coefficient varies as a result of the swelling and hemolysis of erythrocytes; this provides a foundation for a new optical method for determining the osmotic resistance of erythrocytes. This method does not require exerting a force on the erythrocytes, is distinguished by simplicity and high speed, and can be implemented using standard spectrophotometers.
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