What happens after hemolysis? Specifically to hemoglobin

[manohman]

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Question in berkley review says that upon hemolysis (disease causes hemolysis), the concentration of hemoglobin goes down.

How do we measure hemoglobin levels in the blood. If the rbc lysed then wouldnt there be more free floating hemoglobin?

 

[Cawolf]

Hemoglobin counts are actually automated, but they start by breaking down RBCs to release free hemoglobin - there are a variety of ways to count it after.

After RBC death, the hemoglobin protein is quickly broken down and it's various parts are transferred by specialized molecules for reuse or excretion.

So to answer your question, the hemoglobin from lysed RBCs will not have a great effect on the overall count.

 

[manohman]

Hemoglobin counts are actually automated, but they start by breaking down RBCs to release free hemoglobin - there are a variety of ways to count it after.

After RBC death, the hemoglobin protein is quickly broken down and it's various parts are transferred by specialized molecules for reuse or excretion.

So to answer your question, the hemoglobin from lysed RBCs will not have a great effect on the overall count.

I see. So when they run the assay they somehow inactivate the proteases that would normally degrade the hemoglobin?

 

[Cawolf]

Not sure. I know the tubes we draw blood for a CBC contain EDTA, an anticoagulant.