Abstract

Serum haptoglobin has been estimated quantitatively in 25 patients with haemolytic disease, and its diagnostic value assessed by comparing the levels with those obtained in 110normal subjects, in 149 patients with other forms of anaemia, and in 37 patients with non-haematological disorders. The normal range was found to be 33 to 213 mg./100 ml.; subnormal levels were found in 80% of patients with haemolytic disease or megaloblastic anaemia, patients with haemorrhage into the tissues, and occasionally in association with other diseases. When taken in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory features this simple biochemical estimation can be of diagnostic value.