Haptoglobin

This test measures the amount of haptoglobin in the blood. Haptoglobin is a protein produced by the liver. Its purpose is to find and attach itself to free haemoglobin in the blood. This forms a complex that is rapidly removed from the circulation by the liver and the iron is then recycled. Haemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen throughout the body. It is normally found inside red blood cells (RBCs); very little is found free, except when RBCs are destroyed and their haemoglobin is released. When large numbers of RBCs are destroyed, haptoglobin concentrations in the blood will temporarily decrease as the consumption of haptoglobin exceeds that produced by the liver.

Increased RBC destruction may be due to inherited or acquired conditions that cause haemolysis of RBCs. Causes of haemolysis include: transfusion reactions, certain drugs, and/or mechanical breakage, such as may be seen with some artificial heart valves. Acquired haemolysis may also result from dysregulation of the immune system causing the body to destroy its own cells. The destruction may be mild or severe, acute or chronic, and it can lead to haemolytic anaemia. Patients with haemolytic anaemia may experience symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath and their skin may be pale or jaundiced.

Liver disease  may also result in low haptoglobin levels as liver damage may reduce both the production of haptoglobin and the removal of the haptoglobin-haemoglobin complexes.

How is the sample collected for testing?

A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.

Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?

No test preparation is needed.