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Test Code HAPTO Haptoglobin

Useful For

This test is useful for monitoring haptoglobin levels in serum.


The haptoglobin system is an important mechanism for iron conservation. Decreased values are seen with any hemolytic disorder or process that damages red blood cells. Increased inflammatory conditions, some malignancies, tissue damage, corticosteroid and estrogen therapy.

Synonyms/Keywords

Haptoglobin

Specimen Requirements

Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
No Serum Red Top Tube (RTT) Serum Separator Tube (SST) 0.5 mL 0.4 mL 0.3 mL

Collection/Processing Instructions

 Separate serum from cells within 2 hours of collection.

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerate 7 days
Frozen 3 months

Rejection Criteria

Hemolysis
Plasma samples

Interpretations

Haptoglobin is an alpha-2 globulin that acts as a scavenger of free hemoglobin by formation of a complex.  The hemoglobin/haptoglobin complex is large enough to prevent loss by filtration in the kidneys.  The complex is then catabolized the the Reticulo Endothial System and the iron is recycled.  This is an important mechanism for iron conservation.  Decreased values are seen with any hemolytic disorder or process that damages red blood cells.  Haptoglobin is also an acute phase reactant, and its synthesis is stimulated by inflammatory conditions (leading to increase levels).  Increased levels are also seen in certain malignancies, tissue damage with burns, and with corticosteroid and estrogen therapy.

Reference Range Information

Performing Location Reference Range
Marshfield 50-220 mg/dL

Marshfield Labs Performing Department

Marshfield Labs Immunodiagnostics

Performing Information

Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Marshfield Monday through Friday 6-8 hours Turbidimetric method/The Binding Site Optilite analyzer

CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
83010        

Outreach CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
83010        

Ordering Applications

Ordering Application Description
Cerner Haptoglobin
COM Haptoglobin