DS-PB-00955 detects haptoglobin, also known as Hp, an acute phase plasma glycoprotein that is synthesized by the liver in response to infection or inflammation. Haptoglobin binds haemoglobin released by erythrocytes with high affinity, and functions to block the oxidative activity of hemoglobin and prevent renal damage. The haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex is rapidly removed from the circulation by monocytes and macrophages, via the receptor CD163. The haptoglobin genotype has been demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in multiple epidemiological studies.