View source for Haptoglobin

==Background==
*Plasma protein that binds free hemoglobin released from lysed red blood cells
*Consumed in hemolysis, making it a useful marker

==Normal Values==
*Normal: 30-200 mg/dL

==Interpretation==
*Low or undetectable haptoglobin: hemolysis (intravascular > extravascular)
*Hemolysis workup: low haptoglobin + elevated [[LDH]] + elevated indirect [[bilirubin]] + elevated [[reticulocyte count]] + peripheral smear
*Haptoglobin is an acute-phase reactant (may be falsely normal in hemolysis if concurrent inflammation)
*Also low in liver disease (decreased production) and massive transfusion

==See Also==
*[[LDH]]
*[[Hemolytic anemia]]
*[[Reticulocyte count]]
*[[Peripheral blood smear]]

==References==
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[[Category:Labs]]