Haptoglobin: Testing and Normal Ranges

What Is Haptoglobin?

Haptoglobin is a protein made by the liver. It binds to hemoglobin that is released when red blood cells break down.

Hemoglobin carries oxygen throughout your body. When red blood cells are destroyed, free hemoglobin enters the bloodstream. Haptoglobin attaches to this free hemoglobin so it can be safely removed by the liver.

If too many red blood cells are destroyed, haptoglobin levels drop. Because of this, the haptoglobin blood test helps doctors determine whether anemia is caused by increased red blood cell destruction, also known as hemolysis.

When Is Haptoglobin Testing Recommended?

Haptoglobin testing is ordered when red blood cell destruction or certain liver conditions are suspected.

Common reasons include:

• Symptoms of anemia such as weakness and fatigue
• Pale skin or shortness of breath
• Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Dark-colored urine
• Suspected hemolytic anemia
• Reaction after a blood transfusion
• Evaluation of liver disease
• Signs of ongoing inflammation

How Is Haptoglobin Testing Conducted?

Haptoglobin is measured through a blood test. A healthcare provider draws blood from a vein in your arm using a needle.

The sample is analyzed in a laboratory to determine the haptoglobin level in milligrams per deciliter.

No special preparation is required. However, you should inform your healthcare provider about all supplements or hormonal products you use, as some substances may affect results.

What Are the Normal Haptoglobin Levels?

In general, normal haptoglobin levels for adults range between 40 and 200 mg/dL.

Note: The units of measurement and the normal ranges can differ depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used.

What Do Abnormal Haptoglobin Levels Mean?

Haptoglobin High Levels

Haptoglobin is an acute-phase protein. This means levels can rise during inflammation or tissue injury.

Possible causes include:

• Acute rheumatic disease: Inflammatory processes increase protein production.
• Heart attack: Tissue damage can raise acute-phase proteins.
• Ulcerative colitis: Chronic inflammation may elevate levels.
• Ongoing infection: The body increases haptoglobin production during immune responses.

• Identify and treat the underlying inflammatory condition.
• Monitor inflammatory markers if advised.
• Discuss persistent elevation with your healthcare provider.

Haptoglobin Low Levels

Low haptoglobin levels often suggest increased red blood cell destruction. When hemoglobin binds to haptoglobin in large amounts, blood levels of haptoglobin decrease.

Possible causes include:

• Hemolytic anemia: Red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced.
• Transfusion reaction: The body may attack transfused red blood cells.
• Liver disease: The liver may not produce enough haptoglobin.
• Infectious mononucleosis: Certain infections can affect red blood cell stability.

• Follow up with additional blood tests to confirm hemolysis.
• Evaluate liver function if recommended.
• Monitor symptoms such as fatigue or jaundice.
• Seek medical attention if anemia symptoms worsen.

Which Specialist Should You Consult?

The appropriate specialist depends on the cause of abnormal haptoglobin levels.

You may be referred to:

• A hematologist for suspected hemolytic anemia
• A hepatologist for liver-related causes
• A cardiologist if levels are elevated after heart injury
• A gastroenterologist for inflammatory bowel conditions