What is "hemolysis"

hemolysis \hemolysis\ n. The lysis of erythrocytes with the release of hemoglobin; the breaking apart of red blood cells in the blood.

Syn: haemolysis, hematolysis, haematolysis.

n. (context medicine English) The destruction of red blood cells, and subsequent release of hemoglobin, at the normal end of the cell's life.

1. n. lysis of erythrocytes with the release of hemoglobin [syn: haemolysis, hematolysis, haematolysis]

2. [also: hemolyses (pl)]

Hemolysis or haemolysis, 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 (inside or outside the body).

Hemolysis (from Greek "αιμόλυση" which means blood breakdown) is the breakdown of red blood cells. The ability of bacterial colonies to induce hemolysis when grown on blood agar is used to classify certain microorganisms. This is particularly useful in classifying streptococcal species. A substance that causes hemolysis is a hemolysin.