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HelpTest ID HAPT Haptoglobin, Serum
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume:1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Secondary ID
9168Useful For
Confirmation of intravascular hemolysis
Method Name
Nephelometry
Reporting Name
Haptoglobin, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 14 days |
Clinical Information
Haptoglobin is an immunoglobulin-like plasma protein that binds hemoglobin. The haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex is removed from plasma by macrophages and the hemoglobin is catabolized. When the hemoglobin-binding capacity of haptoglobin is exceeded, hemoglobin passes through the renal glomeruli, resulting in hemoglobinuria.
Chronic intravascular hemolysis causes persistently low haptoglobin concentration. Regular strenuous exercise may cause sustained low haptoglobin, presumably from low-grade hemolysis. Low serum haptoglobin may also be due to severe liver disease.
Neonatal plasma or serum specimens usually do not contain measurable haptoglobin; adult levels are achieved by 6 months.
Increase in plasma haptoglobin concentration occurs as an acute-phase reaction. Levels may appear to be increased in conditions such as burns and nephrotic syndrome. An acute-phase response may be confirmed and monitored by assay of other acute-phase reactants such as alpha-1-antitrypsin and C-reactive protein.
Reference Values
30-200 mg/dL
Cautions
Low haptoglobin is normal for the first 3 to 6 months of life.
Haptoglobin is an acute-phase reactant and increases with inflammation or tissue necrosis.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 to 4 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
83010