Haptoglobin blood test
Definition
The haptoglobin blood test measures the level of haptoglobin in your blood.
Haptoglobin is a protein produced by the liver. It attaches to a certain type of
How the Test is Performed
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How to Prepare for the Test
Certain medicines may affect the results of this test. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines. DO NOT stop any medicine before talking to your provider.
Drugs that can raise haptoglobin levels include:
- Androgens
- Corticosteroids
Drugs that can lower haptoglobin levels include:
- Birth control pills
- Chlorpromazine
- Diphenhydramine
- Indomethacin
- Isoniazid
- Nitrofurantoin
- Quinidine
- Streptomycin
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is done to see how fast your red blood cells are destroyed. It may be done if your provider suspects you have a type of anemia that your immune system is causing.
Normal Results
The normal range is 41 to 165 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 410 to 1,650 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
When red blood cells are actively being destroyed, haptoglobin disappears faster than it is created. As a result, the levels of haptoglobin in the blood drop.
Lower than normal levels may be due to:
- Immune hemolytic anemia
- Long-term (chronic) liver disease
- Blood buildup under the skin (hematoma)
- Liver disease
- Transfusion reaction
Higher-than-normal levels may be due to:
Blockage of the bile ducts - Joint or muscle inflammation, swelling, and pain that comes on suddenly
Peptic ulcer Ulcerative colitis - Other inflammatory conditions
Risks
There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Multiple punctures to locate veins
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
References
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Haptoglobin (Hp) - serum. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:604-605.
Michel M. Autoimmune and intravascular hemolytic anemias In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 160.
Review Date: 01/19/2018
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