haptoglobiinipitoisuus
Haptoglobiinipitoisuus refers to the concentration of haptoglobin in a biological sample, typically blood serum. Haptoglobin is a protein that binds to free hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is released from red blood cells when they are destroyed, a process called hemolysis. By binding to free hemoglobin, haptoglobin acts as a scavenger, preventing the harmful effects of unbound hemoglobin, such as oxidative damage to tissues and loss of iron through the kidneys.
Measuring haptoglobiinipitoisuus is a diagnostic tool used in veterinary medicine, particularly in the assessment of anemia.