To help detect and evaluate hemolytic anemia
Haptoglobin
Haptoglobin
Also Known As
HPT
Hemoglobin-binding Protein
Hp
Formal Name
Haptoglobin
This article was last reviewed
on
This article waslast modified
on November 5, 2017.
At a Glance
Accordion Title
Common Questions
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How is it used?
Haptoglobin testing is used primarily to help detect and evaluate hemolytic anemia and to distinguish it from anemia due to other causes. Testing is used to help determine whether red blood cells (RBCs) are breaking apart or being destroyed prematurely. It may be used in conjunction with other laboratory tests such as a complete blood count (CBC, including RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit), reticulocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, direct antiglobulin test, and blood smear.
Hemolytic anemia is an uncommon cause of anemia. The condition can be inherited or may develop during a person's lifetime (acquired) due to various factors and may develop suddenly or develop over time. (For more details, see the "What is being tested?" section and the article on Hemolytic Anemia.)
Though the haptoglobin test is a sensitive test for hemolytic anemia, it cannot be used to diagnose the cause of the condition. Other laboratory tests may be needed to help determine the cause, such as tests for autoantibodies to detect autoimmune causes, sickle cell tests, G6PD, or a hemoglobin evaluation.
A haptoglobin test may be ordered along with a direct antiglobulin test to help determine whether someone who has received a blood transfusion has had a transfusion reaction (see the article on Transfusion Medicine).
If a haptoglobin level is low, then testing may be repeated at a later time to evaluate changes in concentration and help determine whether the increased destruction of RBCs is no longer occurring or continues.
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When is it ordered?
The haptoglobin test is ordered when someone has symptoms and signs associated with hemolytic anemia. Some signs and symptoms include:
- Fatigue, weakness
- Pale skin (pallor)
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- A rapid heart rate
- Jaundice
- Red or brown urine (from the presence of blood/hemoglobin)
Testing may also be done when other laboratory test results are consistent with hemolytic anemia. These may show increased bilirubin concentrations (bulirubinemia), hemoglobin in the urine (hemoglobinuria), decreased RBC count, and increased reticulocyte count and lactate dehydrogenase levels.
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What does the test result mean?
Results are interpreted carefully and in conjunction with results of other tests, such as a reticulocyte count, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), or complete blood count (CBC).
When a haptoglobin level is significantly decreased, along with an increased reticulocyte count and a decreased RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, then it is likely that the person has some degree of hemolytic anemia with red blood cells destroyed in the circulation (so-called intravascular hemolysis).
If the haptoglobin is normal or borderline normal and the reticulocyte count is increased, then RBC destruction is likely occurring in organs such as the spleen and liver (so-called extravascular hemolysis). Because the freed hemoglobin is not released into the blood, the haptoglobin is not consumed and so is at a normal level. However, in severe extravascular hemolysis, haptoglobin level can be low because excess hemolysis can release some free hemoglobin into circulation.
If the haptoglobin concentration is normal and the reticulocyte count is not increased, then it is likely that the anemia present is not due to RBC breakdown.
The following table summarizes some results that may be seen:
Haptoglobin Reticulocyte count RBC count, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit Possible interpretation Significantly decreased Increased Decreased RBCs are being destroyed within blood vessels (i.e., intravascular hemolysis) Normal or slightly decreased Increased Decreased RBCs destruction likely within organs such as spleen and liver (i.e., extravascular hemolysis) Normal Not increased Decreased Anemia due to a cause other than RBC destruction (e.g., decrease in RBC production in the bone marrow) If haptoglobin is decreased without any signs of hemolytic anemia, then it is possible that the liver is not producing adequate amounts of haptoglobin. This may be seen with liver disease, although haptoglobin is not typically used to diagnose or monitor liver disease.
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Is there anything else I should know?
Haptoglobin is considered an "acute-phase" protein; this means that it will be elevated in many inflammatory diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, acute rheumatic disease, heart attack, and severe infection. Of a person has one of these conditions, it can complicate the interpretation of the haptoglobin results. Haptoglobin testing is not generally used to help diagnose or monitor these conditions.
Haptoglobin levels may be affected by massive blood loss and by conditions associated with kidney dysfunction as well as liver disease.
Drugs that can increase haptoglobin levels include androgens and corticosteroids. Drugs that can decrease haptoglobin concentrations include isoniazid, quinidine, streptomycin, and birth control pills.
A low level of haptoglobin is normal for newborns and infants of less than 6 months old.
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If haptoglobin levels are decreased, when will they return to normal?
It depends on the cause of the decrease. If they are due to acute hemolysis, such as may be seen with a transfusion reaction, then they will return to normal once the donor blood has been cleared from the system. If they are due to chronic hemolysis, then the concentration should return to normal if and when the underlying condition can be resolved. If the underlying condition cannot be resolved or if the decreased concentrations of haptoglobin are due to decreased production due to liver disease, then levels may continue to be lower than normal.
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Should everyone have a haptoglobin test?
No, this is not a test that is used for general screening. Most people will never need to have a haptoglobin test performed.
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Can I have the haptoglobin test done in my healthcare practitioner's office?
In most cases, no. This test is typically either performed in a hospital laboratory or sent to a reference laboratory.
