The disruption of red blood cells in blood.
The destruction of red blood corpuscles by the action of poisonous substances, usually of a protein nature, circulating in the blood, or by certain chemicals. It occurs gradually, for example, in some forms of anaemia, and rapidly in poisoning by snake venom.
Haemolysis refers to the breakdown of red blood cells. It is a natural process responsible for the destruction of old red blood cells, primarily occurring in the spleen. During haemolysis, bilirubin, a waste product, is excreted into the bile by the liver. Abnormal haemolysis, where red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, can lead to anaemia and jaundice.