[Attempt at diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis using the ionophore valinomycin]

On the basis of former observations that erythrocytes of patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS) exhibit a slighter K+ efflux under the influence of valinomycin and a diminished shrinking, the attempt was made to use this phenomenon in routine diagnostics. In pair comparison the findings already known could be proved impressively. However, obligatory limiting values which make it possible to dispense with giving statements of comparison could not be established. In this report the test is of limited value for haematological diagnostics.