noun
- a protein in blood plasma that binds to free hemoglobin and helps transport it to the liver for breakdown
Usage: medical; biochemistry
Examples
- The doctor ordered a haptoglobin test to check for hemolysis.
- Low haptoglobin levels may indicate red blood cell destruction.
- Haptoglobin acts as a scavenger protein in the bloodstream.
- The laboratory measured haptoglobin concentration in the patient’s serum.
- Haptoglobin deficiency can occur in certain genetic conditions.
- Elevated haptoglobin levels may suggest inflammation or infection.