haptoglobin /hap′tōglō″bin/ [Gk, haptein, to grasp; L, globus, ball] , a plasma protein that irreversibly binds free hemoglobin and is removed by macrophages conserving iron. The quantity of haptoglobin is increased in certain chronic diseases and inflammatory disorders and is decreased or absent in hemolytic anemia. Normal adult findings range from 100 to 150 mg/dL. Compare transferrin. See also hemoglobinemia, hemoglobinuria.
