Haptoglobin Levels

Immunology

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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].

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Indications

Diagnosis and monitoring of haemolytic states.

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Sample Type

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

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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.

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Turnaround Time

Within 10 days

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Testing Frequency

Weekly

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External Notes

Haptoglobin and haemopexin should be measured in conjunction.

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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]

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See Also

Hemopexin

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