AN OVERVIEW
About Haptoglobin Test
Why is the Haptoglobin Test done?
Haptoglobin is a protein that is produced in the liver. This protein bind with a certain type of hemoglobin released by the RBC after the destruction of the red blood cell occurs. This protein binds with the free hemoglobin to form a haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex which is then taken to the liver to be removed from the body.
When there is a disruption in the release of hemoglobin, the haptoglobin levels are affected and a person might show signs of either having high haptoglobin levels or low haptoglobin levels in the blood.
When the levels of the protein haptoglobin are high, the person might be suffering from any of the following:
- Obstructive or biliary diseases
- Aplastic anemia
- ESR related diseases
- Diabetes mellitus
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Infections
When the levels of haptoglobin are lower than normal, it might indicate the person is suffering from:
- Intravascular hemolysis
- Extravascular hemolysis
- Cirrhosis
What does the Haptoglobin Test measure?
The protein haptoglobin plays a vital role in removing the excess free hemoglobin from the body. Being produced in the liver and being taken to the liver for the final removal process, abnormality in the levels of haptoglobin are commonly associated with either liver diseases or if the person is suffering from hemolytic anemia. This test is, in fact, commonly used to confirm if the person is suffering from hemolytic anemia.
The haptoglobin test is usually prescribed when the person shows the following symptoms for hemolytic anemia:
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
- Signs of jaundice
- Extreme fatigue
- The abnormal beating of the heart
- Hands and feet being cold
- Lightheadedness
Potential risks/side effects associated with the Haptoglobin Test
The haptoglobin test in Chandigarh is conducted by collecting a blood sample from the patient. While this process might be a bit painful for some, an experienced phlebotomist can ensure that the process of venipuncture is done quickly and as painlessly as possible.
While there are no serious risk and side effects associated by the process of blood collection, aneimc people might feel dizzy due to the loss of blood. But, some rest and food will help them feel better.
Further tests like Reticulocyte count, Hemoglobin test, or Hematocrit might be prescribed by doctors.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
What is hemolytic anemia?
Hemolytic anemia is a condition where the rate of destruction of RBC happens faster than the rate of production of the RBC. this condition can be temporary or it can indicate genetic disorders.
Is fasting preferred?
Usually, fasting is preferred when opting for this test.
Can heart attack be detected by haptoglobin levels?
Yes, when the upper limit is crossed, it can be a sign of heart attract or even severe rheumatic fever.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the Haptoglobin Test results
The haptoglobin test results are given in the form of a range that is deemed normal. The result is provided in the unit milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). For haptoglobin, the normal range is between 40 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL. The result that shows the haptoglobin levels to be lower than normal means that the person is suffering from hemolytic anemia.
Haptoglobin Test In Chandigarh
Starts from 50*
The haptoglobin test in Chandigarh is prescribed when the patient shows signs of having hemolytic anemia. The test is also used as part of a routine anemia screening test. The test helps in understanding how much haptoglobin is present in the blood and proper treatment is then prescribed. The test is also known as HPT test or hemoglobin-binding protein test.
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