Adult patient:
Heparin gel tube
Minimum blood volume: 5 mL
Paediatric patient:
Paediatric heparin tube
Number of vials: 1
Minimum blood volume: 1.3 mL
Authorisation code required
No
24 Hr available service
Yes
(Call extension: 3353 for express result)
Method
Immunoassay
Reference interval
0.30 - 2.00 g/L
(Source: from manufacturer's kit insert)
Clinical indication
Diagnosis of intravascular haemolysis
Result interpretation
Haptoglobin binding of free haemoglobin results in removal of the complex from the circulation.
Reduced levels occur in haemolysis (particularly intravascular), megaloblastic anaemia (red cell turnover in marrow), following blood transfusion, massive tissue haemorrhage, and hepatocellular disease.
Congenital absence of haptoglobin has also been recognised.
High levels may be seen in pregnancy, with steroid or oestrogen therapy, in conditions associated with an acute phase response, and in biliary obstruction.
Measurement of uncertainty
Frequency of measurement
Daily