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What is a Hemoglobin (Hb) Test?
A hemoglobin test determines the hemoglobin levels found in the blood. Hemoglobin is an amino acid found in your red blood cells, which transports oxygen to tissues and organs and helps transport carbon dioxide away from organs and tissues back to your lungs. A hemoglobin test can be used to determine if you have enough hemoglobin in the blood.Â
To determine the complete picture of red blood cells, a Hemoglobin test is also used in conjunction with other tests like
- A Hematocrit test that can be used to determine the proportion of red blood cells that are present in your blood.
- A total blood count test that measures the amount and kind of blood cells you have.
What is a hemoglobin (Hb) test used for?
It is used for measuring hemoglobin levels in the blood. If hemoglobin is low, you may have anemia indicating that the cells in the body are not receiving enough oxygen. If hemoglobin levels are high, this could indicate certain conditions like Polycythemia vera (which affects your bone marrow, producing excessive red blood cells), dehydration, lung disease, burns, etc.
Understanding the test results of Hemoglobin (Hb) Test
Hemoglobin test results can be read as within range or higher, or lower than the normal range. If the levels are normal, then Hb is functioning well. If the levels are lower, then Hb is low, which means not enough oxygen is available for the cells. If the Hb is high, there is an underlying condition causing excess production of hemoglobin.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do I need a hemoglobin (Hb) Test?
This test may be advised by the doctor under various scenarios some of which are :
- need for a thorough assessment of your general wellbeingÂ
- to identify if there any underlying medical issue,
- to check if all the cells in the body are receiving enough oxygen.
- if you have symptoms like breathlessness, dizziness, fainting, weakness, etc.
What happens during a Hemoglobin (Hb) Test?
There aren't any special preparations for the hemoglobin test. The test requires a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. It is a quick procedure, which only takes a couple of minutes. If your doctor has also ordered additional blood tests, you might require fasting (no food or drink) for a few hours before the test.Â
What happens if my Hb level is high?
High hemoglobin levels may signify a condition like polycythemia. The body produces more red blood cells, and this causes the blood to become thicker than usual. It could lead to blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. A high hemoglobin level could result from dehydration, smoking, high altitudes, lung or heart diseases.
What is a healthy hemoglobin level by age?
Healthy hemoglobin levels determine the state of the normal functioning of the red blood cells in the body. The levels vary according to age and gender. The reference ranges are given below :Â
- 1-6 years: 9.5-14 grams per decilitre (g/dL)
- 6-18 years: 10-15.5 g/dL
- Adult men: 14-18 g/dL
- Adult women: 12-16 g/dL
What happens when my hemoglobin level is low?
A low hemoglobin level can indicate anemia, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue and labored breathing. Anemia could be due to many reasons likeÂ
- Iron deficiency
- BleedingÂ
- Folate deficiency
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
- Kidney disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Cancers such as leukemia
- Liver disease
- Thalassemia (a genetic disorder characterized by the production of low amounts of hemoglobin and red blood cells)
What is the normal range of Hb?
Hemoglobin is the substance that is present in red blood cells. It is responsible for the red color and carries oxygen through the human body. The normal hemoglobin range depends on age, gender, race, etc. The normal range for women is 12-16 g/dL, and for men is 14-18 g/dL.
Should I be worried about a low hemoglobin level?
If you notice symptoms and signs like fatigue, weakness, pale gums and skin, etc., schedule an appointment with your physician. A doctor might suggest an entire check of the blood count to determine if you are suffering from a low hemoglobin level. If the test shows a decrease in your hemoglobin number, you will likely require further tests to identify the reason.
What causes the hemoglobin level to rise?
A high hemoglobin count happens typically when your body needs an increase in oxygen-carrying capacity, generally due to:
- Smoking
- Living at an elevated altitude – the production of red blood cells will naturally increase to compensate for the less oxygen flow in the environment.
- Dehydration
- Conditions related to blood cells, lung, kidney, etc.
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