Hemolysis

The destruction of erythrocytes by many different causal agents such as antibodies, bacteria, chemicals, temperature, and changes in tonicity.

Rupturing of red blood cells with the resulting release of hemoglobin into the plasma.

The destruction of red blood cells with the release of hemoglobin.

The liberation of the hemoglobin from the erythrocytes.

Medical term for the bursting or self-destruction of red blood cells, as in some cases of Rh incompatibility.

Breakdown of red blood cells and the release of hemoglobin. It occurs normally at the end of the life span of a red blood cell, abnormally in certain antigen-antibody reactions, on exposure to certain bacteria and venoms, in hemodialysis, and in certain other conditions.

The dissolving or destruction of red blood cells by a chemical substance or disease.

The breaking up or destruction of red blood cells, characterized by liberation of hemoglobin into blood plasma. Hemolysis, which usually causes anemia, can result from defects in the red blood cells and from poisoning, infection, the action of antibodies, and mismatched blood transfusions. The Rh factor in newborn babies can result in hemolysis if the mother’s red blood red blood cells are Rh negative while the baby’s are Rh positive. Antibodies formed in the mother’s blood in response to the baby’s red blood cells will destroy the baby’s red blood cells. If not prevented, hemolysis caused by the Rh factor will cause very severe anemia in the baby or even stillbirth.

The destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes). Within the body, hemolysis may result from defects within the red cells or from poisoning, infection, or the action of antibodies in mismatched blood transfusions and it leads to anemia. Hemolysis of blood specimens may result from unsatisfactory collection or storage or be brought about intentionally as part of an analytical procedure.

The destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) because of RBC diseases (e.g., spherocytosis or sickle cell disease) or because of their exposure to drugs, toxins, artificial heart valves, antibodies, some infections, or snake venoms. The cell membranes are destroyed directly or through antibody-mediated lysis. Donor antibodies in blood products cause hemolysis associated with transfusion reactions. Autoantibodies develop as the result of disease (especially hematological cancers), in response to certain drugs (e.g., alpha-methyldopa), or in Rh-negative mothers carrying an Rh-positive fetus. Viral and bacterial infections are frequent causes of hemolysis in children, whose RBC membranes are very fragile. Organisms causing hemolysis include certain streptococci, staphylococci, and the tetanus bacillus. It also occurs in smallpox and diphtheria and following severe bums.