Haptoglobin Test - Serum

Haptoglobin is a protein made by the liver that binds to haemoglobin. It's binding with haemoglobin helps remove haemoglobin from blood.
Serum haptoglobin test is often used to confirm hemolytic anaemia or hemolytic crisis where the levels of haptoglobin decrease or may be absent depending upon the severity of hemolysis.

The Haptoglobin Serum test measures the amount of haptoglobin in the blood. The liver produces a protein called haptoglobin which binds to a certain kind of haemoglobin.

Red blood cells contain the protein haemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our body. Small amounts of haemoglobin circulate in the bloodstream, but the majority is found inside red blood cells. Inside the bloodstream, haemoglobin and haptoglobin make a complex bond. Our liver swiftly removes this compound from our body and the bloodstream.

Haemoglobin is released into the bloodstream in greater amounts when red blood cells are destroyed. As a result, the body will eliminate more of the haptoglobin-haemoglobin complex. The body may lose haptoglobin more quickly than the liver can produce it. Oour blood levels of haptoglobin decrease as a result. A red blood cell condition like anaemia may be present if our haptoglobin levels are too low.

What is Haptoglobin?

By reducing the hemoglobin level, the haptoglobin serum helps reduce the effects of chronic stress, fatigue, and other lifestyle-related issues.

The level of haptoglobin serum in the blood is important for several reasons:

• Firstly, it helps to prevent the body from becoming overwhelmed by free-floating haemoglobin. This can prevent serious conditions such as hemolytic anaemia, cancer, and kidney disease.
• Secondly, it helps reduce inflammation, which can lead to various illnesses, including arthritis and diabetes.
• Finally, haptoglobin serum also helps to protect the liver and kidneys, as well as safeguard the body against infection.

• Who should do the Haptoglobin Serum test?

  The following individuals should take a haptoglobin serum test:

  • Those with a family history of anaemia or any other disease associated with haptoglobin levels: It’s important to check haptoglobin levels to rule out any underlying conditions that could be the cause of anaemia or other conditions.

  • Those who become easily fatigued: Low haptoglobin levels can cause extreme fatigue and exhaustion.

  • Elderly individuals: Age-related changes in haptoglobin levels can lead to medical conditions, such as anaemia.

  • Pregnant women: Anemia is especially common during pregnancy, so it’s essential to monitor haptoglobin levels.

  • Those with chronic diseases: People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease should monitor haptoglobin levels in the blood.

Written by: Dr. Vishal Wadhwa, M.D, D.N.B Microbiology, Medical Affairs