What Analytes Are Increased by Hemolysis?
Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs). It can occur in the body or in a laboratory setting. Hemolysis can cause an increase in certain analytes, or substances, in the blood. These analytes can be used to diagnose or monitor a variety of medical conditions.
Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein found in RBCs. It is primarily responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. When hemolysis occurs, the hemoglobin is released into the bloodstream, resulting in an increased level of hemoglobin in the blood.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a measure of the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube over a period of time. It is typically used to diagnose inflammation, infection, and certain autoimmune diseases. When hemolysis occurs, the ESR increases because the destroyed RBCs are settling faster.
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) is the number of RBCs per volume of blood. When hemolysis occurs, the RBC count increases because of the release of RBCs into the bloodstream.
Hematocrit is the proportion of RBCs to the total volume of blood. It is calculated by dividing the RBC count by the total volume of blood. Hemolysis increases the hematocrit because of the release of RBCs into the bloodstream.
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) is a measure of the average amount of glucose in the blood over the past several months. Hemolysis can cause an increase in HbA1C because the released hemoglobin can attach to glucose in the bloodstream.
Uric Acid is a waste product of the breakdown of purines. Purines are compounds found in some foods and are also produced by the body. When hemolysis occurs, the released hemoglobin can break down into purines, resulting in an increase in uric acid levels.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in many tissues, including RBCs. It is released into the bloodstream when hemolysis occurs. An increased level of LDH can indicate a variety of medical conditions, including liver and kidney disease.
Potassium is an electrolyte found in the blood. When hemolysis occurs, potassium is released into the bloodstream, resulting in an increased level of potassium in the blood.
Bilirubin is a by-product of the breakdown of hemoglobin. When hemolysis occurs, the released hemoglobin is broken down into bilirubin, resulting in an increased level of bilirubin in the blood. Elevated bilirubin levels can indicate liver or gallbladder disease.
