Which term describes destruction of red blood cells?

Which term describes destruction of red blood cells?

• A. Hemolysis
• B. Lipemia
• C. Icterus
• D. Evaporation

Answer: (A)

Destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis. It describes the process in which erythrocytes rupture and release hemoglobin into the plasma or surrounding tissue. This can occur inside blood vessels (intravascular) or when old or damaged cells are removed by the spleen and liver (extravascular). Lipemia refers to a milky appearance of plasma from high lipid levels and is about the sample’s contents, not the destruction of red cells. Icterus describes a yellow discoloration from elevated bilirubin, which can result from hemolysis or liver issues but is a sign, not the process of destruction itself. Evaporation is unrelated to blood cell biology.

Destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis. It describes the process in which erythrocytes rupture and release hemoglobin into the plasma or surrounding tissue. This can occur inside blood vessels (intravascular) or when old or damaged cells are removed by the spleen and liver (extravascular). Lipemia refers to a milky appearance of plasma from high lipid levels and is about the sample’s contents, not the destruction of red cells. Icterus describes a yellow discoloration from elevated bilirubin, which can result from hemolysis or liver issues but is a sign, not the process of destruction itself. Evaporation is unrelated to blood cell biology.