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Official Description

Haptoglobin; quantitative

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Haptoglobin (Hp) is a crucial protein produced by the liver, encoded by the HP gene. Its primary function is to bind free plasma hemoglobin that is released into the bloodstream, particularly during the breakdown of red blood cells. This binding process is essential as it facilitates the removal of free hemoglobin from circulation, which is then filtered out by the spleen. By preventing the accumulation of free hemoglobin, haptoglobin plays a significant role in protecting the kidneys from potential damage and minimizing iron loss from the body. The quantitative measurement of haptoglobin levels, as indicated by CPT® Code 83010, is primarily utilized in clinical settings to screen for or monitor conditions such as intravascular hemolytic anemia. This includes scenarios like transfusion reactions, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and acute inflammatory responses. The test involves obtaining a blood sample through venipuncture, which is a separately reportable procedure. The serum or plasma obtained from the blood sample is then analyzed using a quantitative immunoturbidimetric method to determine the haptoglobin concentration. Understanding haptoglobin levels can provide valuable insights into a patient's health status, particularly in relation to hemolytic disorders.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Haptoglobin quantitative testing is indicated for various clinical scenarios, particularly those involving hemolytic processes. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this test:

  • Intravascular Hemolytic Anemia This condition occurs when red blood cells are destroyed within the blood vessels, leading to the release of free hemoglobin into the plasma.
  • Transfusion Reactions Haptoglobin testing can help assess the body's response to blood transfusions, particularly in cases where hemolysis is suspected.
  • Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia This is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys red blood cells, resulting in elevated levels of free hemoglobin.
  • Acute Inflammatory Reactions The test may be utilized to evaluate the presence of hemolysis associated with acute inflammatory processes in the body.

2. Procedure

The procedure for haptoglobin testing involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of haptoglobin levels in the blood. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Blood Sample Collection A blood sample is obtained from the patient through a process known as venipuncture. This involves inserting a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, to draw blood into a collection tube. This step is crucial as it provides the serum or plasma needed for testing.
  • Step 2: Sample Preparation Once the blood sample is collected, it is processed to separate the serum or plasma from the cellular components. This is typically done by centrifugation, which spins the sample at high speeds to separate the different components based on their density.
  • Step 3: Quantitative Testing The prepared serum or plasma is then subjected to quantitative immunoturbidimetric analysis. This method involves adding specific reagents that react with haptoglobin in the sample, leading to the formation of a complex that can be measured. The degree of turbidity is directly proportional to the concentration of haptoglobin present in the sample, allowing for accurate quantification.

3. Post-Procedure

After the haptoglobin test is completed, the patient may experience minimal discomfort at the venipuncture site, which typically resolves quickly. There are no specific post-procedure care instructions required for patients following this test. However, it is essential for healthcare providers to monitor the results and interpret them in the context of the patient's clinical condition. Elevated or decreased haptoglobin levels can provide critical information regarding the presence of hemolysis or other underlying health issues, guiding further diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.

Short Descr ASSAY OF HAPTOGLOBIN QUANT
Medium Descr ASSAY OF HAPTOGLOBIN QUANTITATIVE
Long Descr Haptoglobin; quantitative
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
CLIA Waived (QW) No
APC Status Indicator Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
90 Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
91 Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient.
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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