Haptoglobin Test

Doctors order a haptoglobin test for people who show signs and symptoms associated with haemolytic anaemia (anaemia caused by destruction of red blood cells). These symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue 
• Rapid heart rate
• Weakness 
• Red or brown urine
• Pale skin
• Jaundice
• Fainting 

It may also be conducted to check if a person is having a transfusion reaction (a serious complication of blood transfusion). 

For anaemia detection, this test is usually done along with other blood tests, such as a complete blood count and reticulocyte count and a direct antiglobulin test is ordered along with a haptoglobin test to check for a transfusion reaction.

Fasting is not required before this test. Your doctor will explain the purpose of the test to you. Please share your complete medical history with the doctor, so that your results can be interpreted accurately. Inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medicines or any supplements as these may interfere with the test results. Drugs like corticosteroids, androgens, streptomycin, oral contraceptives, quinidine and isoniazid can alter the results of this test. Do not discontinue any medication unless advised by the healthcare provider.

A haptoglobin test is performed by drawing a blood sample from a vein in the arm. The following procedure is used to collect the sample:

• A laboratory technician will tie a tourniquet (a tight band) around your upper arm and ask you to tighten your fist. This will help him/her locate the right vein for sample withdrawal. 
• The site for needle insertion will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
• The technician will then use a sterile needle to collect the required amount of blood. You may feel a slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted, it subsides soon. 
• Once the sample is collected, he/she will release the tourniquet and remove the needle.
• The sample will be labelled and sent to the laboratory for testing. 

After the procedure, you may notice mild bruising at the injection site, which will fade in a few days. If you have felt dizzy or faint during a blood test in the past or if you are scared of needles or at the sight of blood, please inform your doctor or nurse so that they can help you feel comfortable.

Normal results:

The normal range of haptoglobin in the blood is 27-139 mg/dL (milligrams per decilitre) or 0.27-1.39 g/L (grams per litre).

However, this range may vary slightly from one laboratory to another. Please speak to your doctor to understand what the results precisely mean for you.

Abnormal results:

Increased haptoglobin levels (> 1.39 g/L) may be seen in the following conditions:

• Pregnancy
• Pneumonia
• Inflammation
• Arterial disease
• Tuberculosis
• Ulcerative colitis
• After a heart attack
• Acute/chronic infection
• Biliary obstruction (bile duct obstruction)
• Peptic ulcer

Decreased values (< 0.27 g/L) of haptoglobin may be due to:

• Haemolysis (destruction of red blood cells)
• Liver disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (a person’s immune system attacks and destroys their own red blood cells)
• Deficiency of G-6-PD (an enzyme that helps red blood cells work)
• Hypertension
• Transfusion reaction
• Thalassaemia (an inherited blood disorder)
• Prosthetic heart valve
• Malaria

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.