What are two symptoms of hemolysis?

Hemolysis refers to the breakdown of red blood cells, which can occur in various medical conditions or as a result of certain treatments. The two symptoms indicative of hemolysis are hematuria and elevated plasma free hemoglobin.

Hematuria, the presence of blood in urine, can occur when hemolysis causes the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to the release of hemoglobin that may be filtered through the kidneys, resulting in bloody urine. Elevated plasma free hemoglobin is a direct consequence of red blood cell destruction; during hemolysis, hemoglobin from the lysed cells is released into the bloodstream. The measurement of free hemoglobin levels in plasma can help diagnose hemolytic conditions, indicating that the body is experiencing an excessive rate of red blood cell destruction.

This understanding helps healthcare providers monitor for hemolysis during treatments such as transfusions or in cases of certain diseases, thus guiding appropriate management steps to mitigate complications associated with hemolysis.