Hemolysis

Definition

Hemolysis is the process of red blood cells (RBCs) breaking down, either in the bloodstream or while still in the vascular system. This breakdown results in the release of hemoglobin and other internal components into the surrounding fluid.

Related terms

Agglutination: The clumping together of red blood cells due to an immune reaction, often occurring when there is a mismatch between donor and recipient blood types during a transfusion.

Anemia:

A condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells in the body, which can result from excessive hemolysis.

Spherocytosis: A hereditary condition that causes red blood cells to become sphere-shaped and more prone to hemolysis