Haptoglobin
Use
Decreased to absent levels occur more with intravascular than extravascular hemolysis: haptoglobin binds hemoglobin, and carries it to the reticuloendothelial system. Thus, haptoglobin is useful in work-up for hemolytic states. It is low in the megaloblastic anemias, which have a hemolytic component. It is decreased in infectious mononucleosis. Decreases can occur with hematoma or tissue hemorrhage. Haptoglobin can be low with liver disease. Congenital absence occurs (small fraction of certain ethnic populations have ahaptoglobinemia, absence of detectable haptoglobin). Frequently elevated as an acute phase reactant, in inflammatory disorders (eg, collagen diseases, infections, tissue destruction, and with advanced malignant neoplasms).1
Special Instructions
Avoid exercise prior to collection to prevent hemolysis from traumatic venipuncture during sample collection, which can lead to inaccurate results.
Limitations
Normal haptoglobin concentrations do not necessarily rule out hemolysis if inflammation or steroid therapy is present. Levels may decrease with the use of oral contraceptives and increase with androgen therapy. Therefore, these factors can potentially interfere with the accurate interpretation of the test results.
Methodology
Immunoassay
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 4542-7
- 4542-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells.
Patient Preparation
Avoid exercise prior to collection and hemolysis from traumatic venipuncture.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Excessive lipemia; hemolysis from traumatic venipuncture
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |