Hemolysis, << hih MOL uh sihs, >> is the breakdown of red blood cells. Hemolysis causes red blood cells to release hemoglobin, the red pigment that carries oxygen to body tissues (see Hemoglobin ). Hemolysis in small amounts is normal. About 1 percent of all red cells in the body are hemolyzed (broken down) daily. Usually, hemolysis is balanced by the production of new red blood cells in the marrow (center part) of the bones. But if too many red cells break down, the production level may be insufficient, resulting in anemia. Causes of excessive hemolysis include septicemia (blood poisoning), certain chemicals or drugs, hereditary blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, and abnormal antibodies that destroy the red cells.
