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Epic Test Code LAB89 Haptoglobin, Serum

Additional Codes

MML Code: HAPT

LIS Code: HPTG

NY State Approved

Yes

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Reporting Name

Haptoglobin, S

Method Name

Nephelometry

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated (preferred) 28 days
  Frozen  28 days
  Ambient  14 days


Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

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.


Specimen Type

Serum

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Reference Values

30-200 mg/dL

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

CPT Code Information

83010

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus OK

Useful For

Confirmation of intravascular hemolysis

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.

Interpretation

Absence of plasma haptoglobin may indicate intravascular hemolysis. However, congenital anhaptoglobinemia is common, particularly in African Americans. For this reason, it may be difficult or impossible to interpret a single measurement of plasma haptoglobin. If the assay value is low, the test should be repeated after 1 to 2 weeks following an acute episode of hemolysis. If all the plasma haptoglobin is removed following an episode of intravascular hemolysis and if hemolysis ceases, the haptoglobin concentration should return to normal in a week.

 

Low levels of plasma haptoglobin may indicate intravascular hemolysis.

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.

Specimen Retention Time

14 days