1. Proteins found in blood plasma that bind to hemoglobin released from red blood cells, preventing its loss in urine and facilitating its removal from the body.
Usage: medical/scientific term; plural form; used in clinical and biochemical contexts

Examples

• Haptoglobins are important proteins that help the body recycle iron from damaged red blood cells.
• Low levels of haptoglobins in the blood may indicate hemolysis or liver disease.
• The laboratory measured haptoglobin concentrations to assess the patient's hemolytic status.
• Haptoglobins bind free hemoglobin in the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for processing.
• Genetic variations in haptoglobins can affect how efficiently the body handles hemoglobin breakdown.