Type of test Blood

 Normal findings

 Adult: 50-220 mg/dL or 0.5-2.2 g/L (SI units)

 Newborn: 0-10 mg/dL or 0-0.1 g/L (SI units)

Possible critical values

 < 40 mg/dL

Test explanation and related physiology

 The serum haptoglobin test is used to detect intravascular destruction (lysis) of red blood cells (RBCs), also called hemolysis. Haptoglobins, which are glycoproteins produced by the liver, are powerful, free hemoglobin (Hgb)–binding proteins. In hemolytic anemias associated with the hemolysis of RBCs, the released Hgb is quickly bound to haptoglobin, and the new complex is quickly catabolized. This results in a diminished amount of free haptoglobin in the serum; this decrease cannot be quickly compensated for by normal liver production. As a result, the patient demonstrates a transient, reduced level of haptoglobin in the serum. Megaloblastic anemias can reduce the haptoglobin level because of increased destruction of megaloblastic RBC precursors in the bone marrow.

Haptoglobins are also decreased in patients with primary liver disease not associated with hemolytic anemias. This occurs because the diseased liver is unable to produce these glycoproteins. Hematoma can reduce haptoglobin levels by the absorption of Hgb into the blood and binding with haptoglobin.

Elevated haptoglobin concentrations are found in many inflammatory diseases and can be used as a nonspecific acute phase protein in much the same way as a sedimentation rate test is used (p. 380). That is, levels of haptoglobin increase with severe infection, inflammation, tissue destruction, acute myocardial infarction, burns, and some cancers.

 Interfering factors

 • A slight decrease in haptoglobin levels is noted in pregnancy.

• Ongoing infection can cause falsely elevated test results.

* Drugs that may cause increased haptoglobin levels include androgens and steroids.

*  Drugs that may cause decreased levels include chlorpromazine, diphenhydramine, indomethacin, isoniazid, nitrofurantoin, oral contraceptives, quinidine, and streptomycin.

Procedure and patient care

 • See inside front cover for Routine Blood Testing.

 • Fasting: no

 • Blood tube commonly used: red

 Abnormal findings

 Increased levels

 -Collagen vascular disease

 -Infection

 -Tissue destruction

 -Biliary obstruction

 -Nephritis

 -Pyelonephritis

 -Ulcerative colitis

 -Peptic ulcer

 -Myocardial infarction

 -Acute rheumatic disease

- Neoplasia

Decreased levels

 -Hemolytic anemia

 -Transfusion reactions

 -Prosthetic heart valves

 -Systemic lupus erythematosus

 -Primary liver disease not  associated with hemolytic  anemia

 -Hemolytic disease of the newborn

 -Hematoma

 -Tissue hemorrhage

 -Megaloblastic anemia

- Severe malnutrition

مواضيع ذات صلة

Heinz body preparation

Transthyretin (Prealbumin)

 C-reactive protein

growth hormone (GH,Human growth hormone [HGH],Somatotropin hormone [SH])

glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb, GHB, Glycohemoglobin, Glycolated hemoglobin, Hemoglobin [Hb A1c ], Diabetic control index)

Cultivation of Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Similar Organisms

Direct Detection Methods of Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Similar Organisms

Immunoglobulins

Complement

Ceruloplasmin

glucose tolerance test (GTT, Oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT])

glucose, postprandial (2-Hour postprandial glucose [2-Hour PPG], 1-Hour glucose screen)