What is a haptoglobin Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is haptoglobin?
Haptoglobin is a colourless protein which is produced by the liver and circulates in the body. Generally, it is produced by hepatocytes but also by other tissues e.g. skin, lungs, and kidney.
Also Read: Folate Test
What is the function of haptoglobin in the body?
Haptoglobin is an acute-phase protein capable of binding haemoglobin, and it helps prevent iron loss and renal damage. It shows its function as an antioxidant, has antibacterial activity, and manages many aspects of acute phase response.
What is a haptoglobin test?
The haptoglobin test measures the amount of haptoglobin in the blood.
Haptoglobin binds with haemoglobin, which is a protein that is found in red blood cells. When red blood cells are destroyed, they release more haemoglobin in the bloodstream and it is called “free haemoglobin.’’ It attaches to the free haemoglobin to create the haptoglobin-haemoglobin complex. This complex goes to the liver, where it is removed from the body.
What is the normal value of a haptoglobin test?
- Adults value: 50-220 mg/dL or 0.5-2.2 g/L (SI units)
- Newborn value: 0-10 mg/dL or 0-0.1 g/L (SI units)
- Possible critical value: <40 mg/dL
When is the haptoglobin test used?
This test is most often used to diagnose hemolytic anaemia. Hemolytic anaemia is a blood disorder that happens when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. This test may also be used to see if another blood disorder or another type of anaemia is causing the symptoms.
Why do I need a haptoglobin test to be done?
This test may be performed when having symptoms of anaemia. These may include:
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Arrhythmia
- Jaundice
- Dark coloured urine
This test also may be used if someone had a blood transfusion. A haptoglobin test may be done along with another test called direct anti-globulin.
What does high haptoglobin mean?
The increased level of haptoglobin is seen in the following conditions:
Disease-associated with increased ESR (erythrocyte sediment rate) such as infection, inflammation, trauma, hepatitis, amyloidosis, lymphoma, collagen disease, and leukaemia.
- Biliary disease
- Aplastic anaemia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Increased estrogen level
- Ulcerative colitis
What does low haptoglobin mean?
If the results show that haptoglobin levels are lower than normal. The following conditions may include:
- Hemolytic anaemia
- Liver disease
- Reaction to a transfusion
What other tests might have along with this test?
- Reticulocyte count
- Blood smear
- Haemoglobin
- Hematocrit
