Which term describes the destruction of red blood cells?

Which term describes the destruction of red blood cells?

• A. Clotting
• B. Hemolysis
• C. Hematopoiesis
• D. Hemostasis

Answer: (B)

Destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis. It means erythrocytes are broken down, releasing hemoglobin into the plasma. This can occur inside blood vessels (intravascular hemolysis) or after the cells are removed by the spleen or liver (extravascular hemolysis). Hemolysis is distinct from clotting, which is the formation of a blood clot; from hematopoiesis, which is the production of blood cells in the bone marrow; and from hemostasis, which is the stopping of bleeding to maintain vessel integrity. In practice, hemolysis can lead to anemia and elevated bilirubin as heme is degraded, and lab signs may include increased LDH and decreased haptoglobin.

Destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis. It means erythrocytes are broken down, releasing hemoglobin into the plasma. This can occur inside blood vessels (intravascular hemolysis) or after the cells are removed by the spleen or liver (extravascular hemolysis). Hemolysis is distinct from clotting, which is the formation of a blood clot; from hematopoiesis, which is the production of blood cells in the bone marrow; and from hemostasis, which is the stopping of bleeding to maintain vessel integrity. In practice, hemolysis can lead to anemia and elevated bilirubin as heme is degraded, and lab signs may include increased LDH and decreased haptoglobin.