hemolysis /himol″isis/ [Gk, haima + lysis, loosening] , adj., the breakdown of red blood cells and the release of hemoglobin that occur normally at the end of the life span of a red cell. Hemolysis may occur in antigen-antibody reactions, metabolic abnormalities of the red cell that significantly shorten red cell life span, and mechanical trauma, such as cardiac prosthesis. Dilution of the blood by IV administration of excessive amounts of hypotonic solutions, which causes progressive swelling and eventual rupture of the erythrocyte, also results in hemolysis. Also spelled haemolysis. −hemolytic, adj.
