Autohemolysis

/ɔːtoʊhɪˈmɒlɪsɪs/ noun

Definition

The breakdown and destruction of an organism's own red blood cells, caused by its own antibodies or hemolytic substances.

Etymology

From auto- (self) + hemolysis (Greek haima 'blood' + lysis 'breaking down'). Medical term describing the pathological process where an organism's immune system destroys its own blood cells.

Kelly Says

Autohemolysis is a tragic example of autoimmune disease where your body literally eats its own red blood cells—doctors diagnose it using the autohemolysis test, where they incubate your blood to see how quickly your own antibodies destroy it.

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