HAMs Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About HAMs Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Ham Test, Acidified Serum Lysis Test, Acid Serum Test, PNH Test |
| Sample Type | Whole blood (EDTA tube) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 Days |
| Recommended For | Males and females of all ages with suspected PNH or haemolytic anaemia |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,650 |
What Is a HAMs Test?
The HAMs test, also known as the Acidified Serum Lysis Test or HAM test, checks whether red blood cells break down abnormally when placed in an acidified solution. Doctors order it when a patient shows signs of rare blood disorders, particularly paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), a condition where the immune system destroys red blood cells. A small whole-blood sample collected in an EDTA tube is used for analysis.
What Does a HAMs Test Measure?
The test works on the principle that red blood cells affected by PNH are unusually fragile when exposed to a mildly acidic environment. The following components are assessed during the test.
| Component | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| Red blood cell sensitivity to complement | Checks whether red cells break down when exposed to acidified serum |
| Degree of haemolysis (cell destruction) | Measures the amount of haemoglobin released when red cells lyse |
The laboratory uses spectrophotometry, a method that measures the amount of light passing through a solution, to quantify haemoglobin released from lysed red cells.
Why is a HAMs Test Done?
A doctor may recommend the HAMs test when a patient presents with symptoms or a history that points to a rare blood disorder. Below are the key reasons this test is ordered.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may request a HAMs test procedure.
- Persistent fatigue and unexplained weakness
- Dark or reddish-brown urine, especially notice-able in the morning
- Shortness of breath during routine activities
- Jaundice
- Frequent infections
- Difficulty swallowing or oesophageal spasms
- Frequent or unusual blood clots
- Pale skin linked to low red blood cell counts (anaemia)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The HAMs test can assist in identifying the following conditions.
- Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare disorder in which the immune system destroys red blood cells
- Congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II (CDA II), also called HEMPAS, a rare inherited blood condition
- Aplastic anaemia (bone marrow failure), in select cases where PNH is also suspected
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required before the HAMs test procedure, but keeping a few points in mind will help your visit go smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You may eat and drink normally on the day of collection. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside the HAMs test, check with them whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips will help ensure an accurate sample is collected.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about any blood-thinning medications or supplements you are taking.
- Stay well hydrated before your appointment.
- Wear clothing with loose-fitting sleeves that can be easily rolled up.
- Try to remain calm and relaxed during the blood draw.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during sample collection.
- A trained phlebotomist will clean the skin over a vein, usually at your inner elbow, with an antiseptic swab.
- A small needle is gently inserted into the vein, and approximately 2 ml of whole blood is drawn into a lavender-top EDTA tube.
- The needle is removed, and light pressure is applied with a gauze pad to stop any minor bleeding.
- A small adhesive bandage is placed over the site. The whole process takes only a few minutes.
- The sample is labelled, stored at refrigeration temperature (2 to 8 degrees Celsius), and dispatched to the laboratory promptly.
- In the lab, red blood cells are placed in an acidified solution, and any breakdown is measured using spectrophotometry.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of your HAMs test result.
- Use of an incorrect collection tube or anticoagulant
- Delay in transporting the sample to the laboratory
- Improper adjustment of the serum's pH during testing
- A recent blood transfusion, which introduces normal donor red cells into the sample
- Serum that has been heated inadvertently, which can produce a false-negative result
Understanding Your HAMs Test Results
Results from the HAMs test should always be reviewed alongside your full clinical picture. The table below provides a general guide to interpreting the outcome.
| Result | Indication |
|---|---|
| Negative (no haemolysis) | Normal; red cells did not break down in acidified serum |
| Positive (haemolysis present) | Abnormal; may indicate PNH, CDA type II, or rarely aplastic anaemia |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations may affect how results are read.
- If a patient has recently received a blood transfusion, normal donor red cells in the sample may reduce the degree of haemolysis detected, potentially producing a false-negative result.
- Additionally, congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II can also yield a positive result, so doctors typically use additional tests such as a sucrose haemolysis test and bone marrow examination to distinguish it from PNH.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits support healthy red blood cell production.
- Eat a balanced diet that includes foods rich in iron, folate, and vitamin B12, such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, and eggs.
- Attend regular health check-ups, particularly if you have a family history of blood or bone marrow conditions.
- Report symptoms such as dark urine, persistent tiredness, or unexplained bruising to your doctor without delay.
Lupin Diagnostics HAMs Test Price and Home Collection
The HAMs test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,650, and home sample collection is available across multiple cities. Below is a guide to approximate pricing across key locations.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 450 |
| CHENNAI | 1100 |
| HYDERABAD | 1650 |
| KOLKATA | 1650 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1650 |
| PUNE | 1650 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your HAMs test online at Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward.
- Select the HAMs test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
HAMs test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics' trained phlebotomists, who collect your sample at a time convenient to you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure accuracy and reliability. Your digital report is shared via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The HAMs test is used to help diagnose paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed by the immune system. It may also assist in identifying congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II. Doctors order it when a patient has symptoms such as dark urine, unexplained anaemia, or signs of blood clots.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as usual before the test. However, do bring your clinical history and inform the phlebotomist of any medications you are currently taking.
At Lupin Diagnostics, your report will be ready within 3 days of sample collection. Once ready, it is delivered digitally via email or WhatsApp.
A positive result means that your red blood cells showed increased fragility in the acidified solution. This may point to PNH or, less commonly, congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II. Your doctor will review the result alongside your symptoms and may recommend further confirmatory tests.
Yes, in some cases. Congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia type II (CDA II) can also produce a positive result. Doctors use additional tests, including a sucrose haemolysis test and bone marrow examination, to distinguish between PNH and CDA II.
While flow cytometry has largely replaced the HAMs test for diagnosing PNH in well-equipped settings, the test continues to be used in many laboratories where flow cytometry is not readily accessible. It remains a recognised method for initial screening and diagnosis.
Clinical history helps the laboratory and reporting doctor interpret your results accurately. Information about your symptoms, family history, previous blood test results, and any recent transfusions is important context that can influence how the result is understood and what follow-up steps may be recommended.
HAMs Test: Booking, Price, and Results
