Studies on determination of haptoglobin types

Determinations of haptoglobin types by immunoelectrophoresis and disc electrophoresis were described.The haptoglobin types of the normal sera by immunoelectrophoresis showed perfect agreement with the types obtained by disc electrophoresis. On the other hand, 21 of 110 pathologic sera showing markedly increased or decreased haptoglobin values were difficult to type by means of immunoelectrophoresis. In four pathologic sera the haptoglobin types as determined by immunoelectrophoresis showed disagreement with those revealed by disc electrophoresis.The haptoglobin types by immunoelectrophoresis were not affected by storage in the deep-freezer for at least six months nor by slight hemolysis.Disc electrophoresis showed apparent patterns of three haptoglobin types, and allowed accurate and convenient determination, although it was impossible to type the pathologic sera with haptoglobin values below 15mg/dl as determined by the single radial immunodiffusion method.