Ausbluten

Ausbluten (das Ausbluten) is a German term with several meanings. Most commonly it denotes the process of bleeding out, i.e., the loss of a life-threatening amount of blood (exsanguination). It can refer to traumatic or surgical blood loss and is used in medical contexts to describe a patient at risk of hypovolemic shock when blood volume falls below what the body can maintain.

In medical contexts, Ausbluten is a critical emergency: uncontrolled hemorrhage can result from injuries, internal bleeding, or postoperative complications. Immediate measures aim to control bleeding, restore blood volume, and prevent shock, often requiring direct pressure, IV fluids, and blood transfusion; definitive care depends on cause and site of bleeding.

In textiles and dyeing, Ausbluten describes the phenomenon of dye bleeding or color migration from one fabric to another or from a garment to the laundry. It occurs when dyes are not sufficiently fixed and water or heat releases soluble pigments. Prevention includes using colorfast dyes, proper fixation, washing new garments separately, cooler water, and/or using dye catchers.

The term derives from aus- “out” and bluten “to bleed.” In English, exsanguination and dye bleed are the corresponding senses.