The Ham test is done to diagnose paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The test checks whether red blood cells become more fragile when they are placed in mild acid.
Alternative Names
Acid hemolysin test
How the test is performed
A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture
How to prepare for the test
There is no special preparation needed for this test.
How the test will feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performed
A positive test can confirm the diagnosis of PNH.
The Ham test can also be used to diagnose another rare disorder called congenital dyserythropoietic anemia.
Normal Values
A negative test is normal.
What abnormal results mean
Abnormal results may be due to:
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia
What the risks are
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling light-headed
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Special considerations
The Ham test is increasingly being replaced by a newer test called flow cytometry.
References
Elghetany M, Banki K. Erythrocytic disorders. In: McPherson R, Pincus M, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 31.
Review Date:
2/8/2012
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
