Haptoglobin

I finally got my answer from Lab Corp regarding Fibrosure Test results when the patient has a mechanical Aortic Valve. Their Marker, Haptoglobin, showed me at <10 - Range 34 - 200. They sent me the following quote. Look at the middle paragraph. They take no responsibility for results when there's a Mechanical Valve present.

Haptoglobin test  

Definition

This test is done to help evaluate a person for hemolytic anemia.

Purpose

Haptoglobin is a blood protein made by the liver. The haptoglobin levels decrease in hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemias include a variety of conditions that result in hemolyzed, or burst, red blood cells.

Decreased values can also indicate a slower type of red cell destruction unrelated to anemia. For example, destruction can be caused by mechanical heart valves or abnormal hemoglobin, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia.

Haptoglobin is known as an acute phase reactant. Its level increases during acute conditions such as infection, injury, tissue destruction, some cancers, burns, surgery, or trauma. Its purpose is to remove damaged cells and debris and rescue important material such as iron. Haptoglobin levels can be used to monitor the course of these conditions.

Steve