Hemolysis

Hemolysis or haemolysis, also known by several other names, is the rupturing of red blood cells and the release of their contents into surrounding fluid. Hemolysis may occur in vivo or in vitro. One cause of hemolysis is the action of hemolysins, toxins that are produced by certain pathogenic bacteria or fungi. Another cause is intense physical exercise. Hemolysins damage the red blood cell's cytoplasmic membrane, causing lysis and eventually cell death.