Ham test
Acid hemolysin test; Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria - Ham test; PNH - Ham test
The Ham test is a blood test to diagnose paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). This rare condition causes red blood cells to die before they should. The Ham test checks whether red blood cells become more fragile when they are placed in mild acid.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a rare disease in which red blood cells break down earlier than normal.
Today, the Ham test is being replaced by a test called flow cytometry.
References
Brodsky RA. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Anastasi J, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 29.
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap H.
Review Date: 2/11/2016
Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.