What is the significance of the haptoglobin test in the diagnosis of hemolytic anemia?

A It measures the level of bilirubin in the blood
B It detects the presence of hemoglobin in the urine
C It measures the level of lactate dehydrogenase in the blood
D It detects the level of haptoglobin, a protein that binds to free hemoglobin in the blood ✓

Explanation

The haptoglobin test is used to diagnose hemolytic anemia, as haptoglobin levels decrease when there is intravascular hemolysis, allowing free hemoglobin to bind to haptoglobin.

Mnemonic

Hapt = Hold onto globin

Source

Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology
Hematology Hematology: Anemia Hematology: Anemia Medium MEDICAL Confidence: medium