What is haemolysis?

• A. Red/pink plasma due to damaged red blood cells
• B. White plasma due to low platelets
• C. Clear plasma due to dehydration
• D. Yellow plasma due to bilirubin

Answer: (A)

Haemolysis is the rupture or destruction of red blood cells, which releases hemoglobin into the plasma. This makes the plasma appear red or pink rather than clear. It can occur in vivo if the body is destroying red cells, or in vitro if the blood sample is mishandled—shaken vigorously, drawn through a small needle, not processed promptly, or exposed to extreme conditions. The pink-to-red tint is the telltale sign of haemolysis.

The other color descriptions describe different situations: white plasma isn’t caused by platelet levels, clear plasma isn’t a hallmark of dehydration, and yellow plasma points to high bilirubin (icterus), not red cell rupture.