The destruction or breaking apart of blood cells, particularly red blood cells, causing them to release their contents.
From Greek 'haima' (blood) + 'kytos' (cell) + 'lysis' (loosening/breaking). The term describes the physical process of cell membranes rupturing and cell contents spilling out.
Hemocytolysis can happen from many causes—certain toxins, extreme osmotic pressure, or even freezing and thawing—and in massive quantities it causes hemoglobinuria where so much hemoglobin leaks into your urine it turns dark or even black.
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