Normal Reference Ranges
Adult
41 - 165 mg/dL
Pediatric
40 - 150 mg/dL
Clinical Significance
Protein produced by the liver that binds free hemoglobin released from destroyed red blood cells. Very low levels are a sensitive indicator of intravascular hemolysis.
Causes of High
- Acute inflammation (Acute phase reactant)
- Infection
- Trauma
- Malignancy
Causes of Low
- Intravascular hemolysis (Hemolytic anemia, mechanical valves)
- Severe liver disease (decreased synthesis)
- Ineffective erythropoiesis