Haptoglobin testing is used to help detect hemolytic anemia and identify it from anemia due to other causes. Haptoglobin is a protein produced by the liver. The body uses haptoglobin to clear free hemoglobin from circulation. Hemoglobin is normally found in red blood cells and only a minimal amount is free circulating in the blood. The haptoglobin binds to the free hemoglobin forming a haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex. The complex is usually cleared out of circulation rapidly for degradation and iron recycling. The level of haptoglobin in your blood plays a key role in determining the type of anemia.
Symptoms of anemia include:
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Jaundice
- Dark colored urine
Test results vary according to age, gender and health history along with other diseases or conditions.
