Haptoglobin in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the level of haptoglobin in your blood, a protein that helps protect red blood cells from damage and binds to free hemoglobin released during red blood cell destruction.
["Haptoglobin helps identify conditions affecting red blood cells or inflammation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110648-3
- Short code
- Haptoglob Msmt SerPl
- Synonyms
- Haptoglob Msmt SerPl
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for conditions like hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), anemia, or certain infections or inflammatory diseases. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions such as sickle cell disease, autoimmune disorders, or liver disease.
What Does a Low Level Mean?
Low haptoglobin levels may suggest red blood cell destruction (hemolysis), which can occur due to conditions like sickle cell disease, autoimmune disorders, or certain infections. Very low levels might also be seen in severe liver disease or acute blood loss.
What Does a High Level Mean?
Elevated haptoglobin can sometimes be seen in chronic inflammation, certain infections, or in response to tissue damage. However, it is less commonly elevated than other markers like CRP (C-reactive protein).
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures the concentration of haptoglobin in your serum or plasma using an immunoassay method.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Haptoglobin plays a role in the body’s response to red blood cell breakdown. Low levels are often associated with hemolytic anemia or other conditions causing red blood cell destruction. High levels are less frequently elevated but may indicate chronic inflammation or other systemic responses to injury or infection.
Short name
Haptoglobin
Frequently asked questions
What does a normal range mean for this test?
Can diet or supplements affect haptoglobin levels?
How soon will I get my results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy