A protein produced by the liver that the body uses to clear free hemoglobin (found outside of red blood cells) from circulation. A haptoglobin test is used primarily to help detect and evaluate hemolytic anemia when a person has symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, weakness and red or brown urine.
Red blood cells are responsible for transmitting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of your body.
Decreased haptoglobin is found in hemolytic disease, hepatocellular diseases, and infectious diseases like mononucleosis.
Increased levels are found in inflammatory diseases, in the presence of tissue necrosis, and in general acute inflammatory conditions.
Increased levels of Hp are found in patients with:
- Inflammation
- Tissue injury
- Trauma
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injury
- CancerElevated Hp may also be a result of hypersplenism (overactive spleen), megaloblastic anemia.
- Use of drugs such as androgens and corticosteroids.
Decreased Hp in patients could be indicative of a number of conditions. It is a reliable marker for the instant diagnosis of accelerated red blood cell destruction (hemolytic anemia) because Hp levels become depleted in the presence of large amounts of free hemoglobin.
Decreased Hp levels can also occur due to:
- liver disease
- Malnutrition
- Allergic reactions
- Seizure disorders.
