Haptoglobin: price and preparation | IntroLab Belgrade
Južni bulevar 116, Vračar
+381 11 347 3652
EN
IntroLab, laboratory diagnostics
Book a slot

Haptoglobin

Price1.200 RSD
Result in1 day
SampleSerum
Haptoglobin test, IntroLab laboratory Belgrade Written byDr. Igor Švonja, MD

Published: Updated:

At IntroLab, a well-known biochemical laboratory in Belgrade, you can undergo a haptoglobin analysis to check its concentration in serum or plasma. Haptoglobin is an important protein that binds free hemoglobin, preventing the loss of iron from the body and kidney damage. Haptoglobin analysis is particularly useful for diagnosing hemolytic anemia, where a decreased concentration of haptoglobin is observed in patients with reduced erythrocyte lifespan.

More about the parameter

Haptoglobin is a complex glycoprotein produced in the liver and consists of two pairs of polypeptide chains, α and β. These chains are connected by disulfide bonds, forming an α2β2 structure. The α polypeptide can be in two forms, α1 and α2. By combining α1 and α2 chains with the β chain, three phenotypes of haptoglobin are formed: HAP 1-1 (α1²β2), HAP 2-1 (α1α2β2), and HAP 2-2 (α2²β2).

Haptoglobin plays a key role in binding free hemoglobin in the plasma. Each haptoglobin molecule can bind two hemoglobin molecules, forming a stable complex. This complex, known as Hp-Hgb, is removed from the plasma by cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES), which catabolize it into amino acids and iron. In this way, haptoglobin prevents the excretion of hemoglobin through urine and the loss of iron.

Haptoglobin analysis – Indications

Indications for haptoglobin analysis include:

  • Suspicion of hemolytic anemia: The analysis is used for the diagnosis and monitoring of hemolytic anemias, which are characterized by a shortened lifespan of erythrocytes. Therefore, it is considered one of the key blood anemia analyses.
  • Liver function assessment: Changes in haptoglobin concentration can be an indicator of liver damage.
  • Monitoring therapy: The analysis is used to monitor the effectiveness of therapy and the body’s response to treatments that affect erythrocytes.

Consult with a specialist or visit IntroLab laboratory in Belgrade to determine the level of haptoglobin. We will perform blood drawing for analysis so you can receive accurate information about your health condition.

Sample and preparation: Haptoglobin

Sample
Serum (venous blood)
Sampling
Drawing blood
Result in
1 day
Preparation
No special preparation is needed. However, it is not recommended to take the sample immediately after a meal.
Category
Biochemistry

Frequently asked questions

What is haptoglobin in the blood?

Haptoglobin is a glycoprotein produced in the liver that binds free hemoglobin in the blood. The resulting complex is removed by cells of the reticuloendothelial system, so haptoglobin prevents hemoglobin from being excreted in urine, iron loss and kidney damage. At IntroLab laboratory, haptoglobin is measured from serum, and the test is especially useful when hemolytic anemia is suspected, as red blood cell lifespan is shortened and haptoglobin concentration is reduced.

How much does a haptoglobin test cost and how should I prepare?

The haptoglobin test at IntroLab laboratory costs 1,200 RSD, and the result is ready in 1 day. The sample is serum from venous blood. No special preparation is needed, but it is not recommended to take the sample immediately after a meal, so do not come for the test right after eating. Haptoglobin is tested when hemolytic anemia is suspected and to monitor therapy affecting red blood cells, and changes in its level can also point to liver damage.

What does low haptoglobin mean?

Low haptoglobin most often indicates hemolysis, meaning increased destruction of red blood cells, as in hemolytic anemia: haptoglobin binds the released hemoglobin, the complex is removed from the blood, and the concentration drops. Because haptoglobin is produced in the liver, changes in its level can also be a sign of liver damage. A low haptoglobin result from IntroLab laboratory is interpreted by a doctor together with a complete blood count and other tests.

What does high haptoglobin mean?

High haptoglobin most often accompanies inflammation, because haptoglobin is one of the acute-phase proteins, whose concentration rises with infections, inflammation and tissue damage. An elevated value on its own does not point to a specific disease. That is why a doctor interprets the haptoglobin result from IntroLab laboratory together with symptoms, inflammatory markers and other tests, and orders further testing if needed.

Biochemistry

Related tests and panels

All tests: Biochemistry
1.200 RSD Call Book