Haemolysis
Definition
The rupture of red blood cells and release of haemoglobin into the surrounding fluid. In casework, haemolysis of aged stains, wet stains, or those in hypotonic environments releases haemoglobin and reduces the intact cellular source of nuclear DNA.
Related terms
- Haematocrit
- The proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells, approximately 45% in adult males and 40% in adult females. Influences the...
- Haemoglobin
- The iron-containing oxygen-transport protein in red blood cells, composed of four polypeptide subunits each with a haem prosthetic group. Its pseudoperoxidase activity...
- Methaemoglobin
- An oxidised form of haemoglobin in which ferrous iron (Fe2+) is converted to ferric iron (Fe3+), unable to carry oxygen. Its formation...
- Plasma
- The liquid fraction of blood (approximately 55% by volume), containing water, proteins (albumin, immunoglobulins, fibrinogen, clotting factors), electrolytes, glucose, hormones, and dissolved...
- Serum
- The fluid that remains after blood has clotted and the clot has been removed. It is plasma minus fibrinogen and other clotting...
Explained in
- Composition and Properties of BloodThe rupture of red blood cells and release of haemoglobin into the surrounding fluid. In casework, haemolysis of aged stains, wet stains, or those in hypotonic...