haptoglobin
/ˌhæptəˈɡloʊbɪn/
noun
- A protein in the blood that binds to free hemoglobin, helping to recycle iron and prevent kidney damage.
- Doctors measure haptoglobin levels to check for red blood cell breakdown.
- The liver produces haptoglobin to clean up hemoglobin released into the bloodstream.
- Low haptoglobin can indicate a condition called hemolytic anemia.