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Hemolysis

Meaning

Hemolysis is a clinical term describing the rupture or destruction of red blood cells (erythrocytes), resulting in the release of hemoglobin and other intracellular components into the surrounding fluid, typically plasma or serum. In the context of clinical sample analysis, hemolysis is a pre-analytical error that can significantly interfere with the accurate measurement of numerous analytes, including hormones. The release of intracellular substances can dilute or chemically interfere with the assay, leading to falsely elevated or depressed results for steroid hormones or peptides.