Haptoglobin Test, Serum

Test Description

The Haptoglobin, Serum test measures the amount of haptoglobin in the blood. Haptoglobin is a protein produced by the liver that binds to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

When red blood cells are damaged, they release more hemoglobin into the bloodstream, which binds to haptoglobin. The haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex is then cleared from the bloodstream and removed from the body by the liver. This test is done to see how fast red blood cells are destroyed and to diagnose hemolytic anemia[1][2][3][4].

Indications of the Haptoglobin Test

 

A haptoglobin test is most often used to diagnose hemolytic anemia, a disorder that happens when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are made. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath, jaundice, or a yellow tinge to the skin and the whites of the eyes, and dark-colored urine. This test may also be done if a patient has symptoms of liver disease[1][2][3][4].

Patient Preparation/Instructions

A blood sample is needed for this test. Certain medicines may affect the results of this test, so patients should tell their healthcare provider if they are taking any medications. No special preparation is required for this test[2][4].

Typical Reference Values

The reference ranges for haptoglobin are as follows:

Adult: 50-220 mg/dL or 0.5-2.2 g/L (SI units) Newborn: 0-10 mg/dL or 0-0.1 g/L (SI units) [5].

Turnaround Time:

The turnaround time for this test is typically 1-2 days[1].

Order This Test:

To order the Haptoglobin, Serum test, click the “Order Test” button and add it to the cart. Once we receive the order, we will get in touch with you on how to collect the sample. You can opt for home/office collection, go to our partner location anywhere in Kenya or come to our main lab – Pathosure Diagnostics in Hurlingham, Nairobi.

References:

[1] Haptoglobin (HP) Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/haptoglobin-hp-test/
[2] Haptoglobin blood test https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/haptoglobin-blood-test
[3] Haptoglobin – Health Encyclopedia – University of Rochester Medical Center https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contentid=haptoglobin&contenttypeid=167
[4] Haptoglobin Test https://www.healthline.com/health/haptoglobin
[5] Haptoglobin: Reference Range, Interpretation, Collection and Panels https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2085592-overview