Hemolysis

Hemolysis or haemolysis (/hiːˈmɒlɪsɪs/), also known by several other names, is the rupturing (lysis) of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and the release of their contents (cytoplasm) into surrounding fluid (e.g. blood plasma). Hemolysis may occur in vivo or in vitro.

This article is about medical aspects of hemolysis. For hemolysis in the culture of microorganisms, see Hemolysis (microbiology).
"Laking" redirects here. For other uses, see Laking (disambiguation).
Hemolysis
Other namesHaemolysis (alternative spelling), hematolysis, erythrolysis, or erythrocytolysis
SpecialtyPathology
ComplicationsKidney failure, kidney disease
CausesOsmosis

One cause of hemolysis is the action of hemolysins, toxins that are produced by certain pathogenic bacteria or fungi. Another cause is intense physical exercise. Hemolysins damage the red blood cell's cytoplasmic membrane, causing lysis and eventually cell death.

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