The destruction of red blood cells. Haemolysis is the normal process by which old red blood cells are destroyed, mainly in the spleen. Bilirubin, a waste product of haemolysis, is excreted into the bile by the liver. Abnormal haemolysis, in which red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, may cause anaemia and jaundice (see anaemia, haemolytic).
Haemolysis |
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