Hemolysis Near a Transversely Oscillating Wire

Erythrocyte suspensions were subjected to hydrodynamic forces generated by a partially submerged tungsten wire set into transverse oscillation at 20 kilohertz. Free hemoglobin appears in solution when the oscillation amplitude exceeds a critical threshold value. The hemolysis probably results from stresses exerted on cell by a microstreaming field established near the wire.