Lysed blood is blood in which the red blood cells have ruptured, releasing their contents into the surrounding serum. This process, known as hemolysis, can occur in vivo (within the body) or in vitro (outside the body, such as during blood collection or testing).
Causes and Significance of Lysed Blood
Several factors can lead to lysed blood:
- Mechanical damage: Rough handling of blood samples during collection or transportation can cause red blood cell rupture.
- Freezing: As noted in the provided reference, freezing defibrinated blood causes red blood cell lysis.
- Osmotic imbalance: Exposure to hypotonic solutions (solutions with lower solute concentration than the red blood cells) causes water to rush into the cells, leading to their rupture.
- Chemical agents: Certain chemicals, such as detergents or lysing agents (e.g., Tween 20, digitonin, Triton X-100, as mentioned in several references), can induce hemolysis.
- Pathological conditions: In some diseases, like Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS), the rapid breakdown of cancer cells releases substances that can damage red blood cells, resulting in hemolysis. Learn more about TLS.
The significance of lysed blood depends on the context:
- Clinical diagnostics: Lysed blood can interfere with some blood tests, leading to inaccurate results. While trace amounts of lysed blood in urine may be insignificant, as suggested by this article, substantial hemolysis can indicate underlying medical problems. More on trace lysed blood in urine. The impact of RBC hemolysis on routine biochemical tests is well-established, though further research is needed to fully define its influence. See this research.
- Research and microbiology: Lysed blood, specifically defibrinated and lysed blood, is used in some selective culture media because the released red blood cell contents can enhance the growth of certain microorganisms. Example from Lampire Biological. A simplified lysed-blood culture technique utilizing lysing agents has been developed. See PubMed.
Understanding Hemolysis: A Detailed Look
Hemolysis, the rupture of red blood cells, is a crucial aspect of understanding lysed blood. It's a process where the cell membrane breaks down, releasing hemoglobin and other intracellular components into the surrounding fluid. More on red blood cell lysis. Protocols for lysing red blood cells are available for research purposes, such as those using eBioscience reagents. See Thermo Fisher. Understanding hemolysis is vital for accurate interpretation of blood test results and for specific research applications. Further information on Hemolysis. The process of lysing red blood cells involves specific methods and solutions such as ammonium chloride lysis. UAMS Protocol.
