Haptoglobin is a protein formed by the liver in the body. It attaches to a specific type of hemoglobin, a protein found in the red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the entire body. Most hemoglobin lies in the red blood cells, but a small amount of it flows into the bloodstream, too. Haptoglobin is attached to hemoglobin in the bloodstream. Both of these proteins are recognized as the haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex, which is removed from the body by the liver. If red blood cells are damaged, it leads to an increased level of hemoglobin in the bloodstream. It means more haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex will be removed from the body, thus making the haptoglobin leave the body faster than the liver can make it. This condition can cause the haptoglobin blood level to fall.
Too low levels of haptoglobin may be a sign of a red blood disorder, like anemia. HP or Haptoglobin test is prescribed by doctors to check the amount of haptoglobin in the blood. Here is more about the HP test.
Why is the Haptoglobin Test prescribed?
Often, doctors order this test to detect hemolytic anemia, a disorder caused by frequent damage of red blood cells. The HP test can also be used to diagnose any other type of anemia or blood disorder. The test is prescribed to those having the following symptoms.
Pale skin
Rapid heart rate
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Dark colored urine
Jaundice
In addition, this test can be done with another test called direct antiglobulin.
Test Procedure
The haptoglobin test is a simple blood test where a healthcare professional uses a sharp needle to draw a small blood sample from a vein in one of your arms. The test procedure takes around 5-6 minutes to finish, and the results are available within a day.
Test Results
If the haptoglobin level is less than 45 milligrams per deciliter of blood, it is a sign that the red blood cells are getting damaged faster than they are being produced. It may indicate signs of hemolytic anemia or any other type of anemia.
The HP test can be booked at a very nominal price from any of the renowned diagnostic labs.