Haptoglobin Levels

Immunology


Description

The main function of haptoglobin is conservation of iron by binding of haemoglobin when it is released by haemolysis. The haptoglobin-haemoglobin complex is of a size that precludes renal loss and has a short serum half-life, being cleared rapidly by the reticuloendothelial system from whence the iron is returned for new haemoglobin synthesis [1,2]. Decreased levels are seen in intravascular haemolysis. Depletion of serum haptoglobin is also seen in congential conditions that affect erythrocyte membranes (thalassaemia, sickle cell disease and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) [1,3].


Indications

Diagnosis and monitoring of haemolytic states.


Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.


Reference Range

Male : 0.5 - 2.0 g/L.
Female : 0.4 - 1.6 g/L.

Reference ranges established in house and by PRU collaboration.


Turnaround Time

Within 10 days


Testing Frequency

Weekly


External Notes

Haptoglobin and haemopexin should be measured in conjunction.


References

PRU Handbook of Clinical Immunochemistry. 9th Edition. 2007. [Ref 1]Van Vlierberghe H, Langlois M, Delanghe J. Haptoglobin polymorphisms and iron homeostasis in health and in disease. 2004. Clin Chim Acta. 345:35-42. [Ref 2]Dhaliwal G, Cornett PA, Tierney LM Jr. Hemolytic anemia. 2004. Am Fam Physician. 69(11):2599-2606. [Ref 3]


See Also

Hemopexin

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.

Your contact for this test

team

Clare Del-Duca BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, MSc Pathological Science

Laboratory Manager - Immunology and Protein Reference Unit

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Haptoglobin Levels