What causes hemolysis?

What causes hemolysis?

• A. WBC increase
• B. Clot formation
• C. Platelet aggregation
• D. RBC rupture and release hemoglobin into the serum or plasma

Answer: (D)

Hemolysis is the rupture of red blood cells, causing free hemoglobin to be released into the serum or plasma. This can happen when samples are subjected to mechanical or osmotic stress during collection and handling—such as excessive suction, using a too-small needle, vigorous mixing or shaking, or rapid temperature changes. When red cells break, hemoglobin enters the plasma, often giving it a pink to red color and altering many tests. The other options describe processes involving white blood cells, coagulation, or platelets, not the destruction of red cells, so they don’t explain why hemolysis occurs.

Hemolysis is the rupture of red blood cells, causing free hemoglobin to be released into the serum or plasma. This can happen when samples are subjected to mechanical or osmotic stress during collection and handling—such as excessive suction, using a too-small needle, vigorous mixing or shaking, or rapid temperature changes. When red cells break, hemoglobin enters the plasma, often giving it a pink to red color and altering many tests. The other options describe processes involving white blood cells, coagulation, or platelets, not the destruction of red cells, so they don’t explain why hemolysis occurs.