HEMOGLOBIN (REFL)

Any other names for this test?

 
This test is also known as Hb or Hgb.
 

What is a hemoglobin lab test?

 
A hemoglobin test calculates the amount of hemoglobin in a blood sample. Red blood cells contain the protein hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and sending back carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. If your test reveals that your hemoglobin levels are abnormal, it might indicate you have a blood disorder.
If your hemoglobin level is higher than usual, you may be suffering from dehydration, high-altitude living, smoking, or the blood disorder polycythemia vera.
If you have a low red blood cell count means your hemoglobin level is lower than usual (anemia).
 

What is the purpose of a hemoglobin test?

 
This test is used to check for anemia, a medical condition in which you do not make enough healthy red blood cells. When you suffer from anemia, the cells in your body do not get the oxygen they need. This test is often part of a complete blood count.
 

Why do I need a hemoglobin test?

The test could be required as part of a routine examination or if you have:
 

• Anemia symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and cold hands and feet
• The presence of another genetic blood condition, such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, in the family
• A diet lacking in iron and other minerals
• A long-term infection
• Excessive bleeding following surgery or injury

Book a hemoglobin test if you suffer from any of the conditions listed above.
 

Why does a doctor recommend a hemoglobin test?

The doctor recommends this test:
To determine your general health:  During a typical medical visit, your doctor may check your hemoglobin as part of a complete blood count to monitor your overall health and screen for several illnesses, including anemia.

To determine a disease's cause:  If you're feeling weakness, exhaustion, shortness of breath, or dizziness, your doctor could advise getting a hemoglobin test. These warning signs and symptoms could indicate polycythemia vera or anemia. This test might be used to identify these or other illnesses.

To keep an eye on a health situation:  Your doctor may use hemoglobin testing to monitor the progression of your anemia or polycythemia vera and identify the best treatment option.

How should I get ready for this test?

For this test, no additional preparation is necessary. If your healthcare provider has ordered another test on the blood sample, you might need to fast (no eating or drinking) for eight hours before the test. Also, let your healthcare provider know about any medications or supplements you are taking. These factors might affect the test results.
 

How is a hemoglobin test performed?

 
A blood sample is needed for this test. Your provider will take the following steps:

• Your medical expert will first clean the puncture site with an antibiotic.
• Following that, he will tie the upper portion of the hand in an elastic band to force blood into the vein.
• He is now going to inject a little needle into the vein.
• Blood taken in the needle will be put in a test container for further testing.
• The blood test is now complete.
• Your medical team member will remove the elastic band.

What will happen after this test?

 
To stop the bleeding, your healthcare provider will wrap a bandage around the area where the needle went.
 

Any risk to the hemoglobin test?

A blood test carries little risk. You might feel slight pain and bruises due to the in and out motion of the needle. However, these symptoms will go away in two or three days.
 

How long does this test take?

 
The testing will not take much time. It is a simple blood test and will be done in less than five minutes. However, your healthcare provider might take a few seconds to find your vein.
 

What do test results mean?

 
The reference range for hemoglobin is:

• Male: 13.2 to 16.6 grammes per deciliter
• Female: 11.6 to 15 grammes per deciliter

Keep in mind that this reference range varies from laboratory to laboratory.

What does a low level of hemoglobin mean?

 
You have anemia if your hemoglobin level is below usual. Anemia comes in a variety of types, each with a different set of reasons, such as:
 

• A deficiency of iron
• B-12 vitamin deficiency
• Folate shortage
• Bleeding
• Leukemia and other bone marrow-related cancers
• kidney illness
• liver illness
• Hypothyroidism
• Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that produces low hemoglobin and red blood cell levels.

Lower-than-normal hemoglobin levels may be a sign that your treatment strategy has to be changed if you've already been diagnosed with anemia.
 

What does a high level of hemoglobin mean?

Your hemoglobin level may be greater than usual for a variety of reasons, including:
A blood illness called polycythemia vera causes your bone marrow to produce an excessive amount of red blood cells.

• lung condition
• Dehydration
• High-altitude living
• Excessive smoking
• Burns
• vomiting too much
• intense physical activity

 
If you've already been given a polycythemia vera diagnosis, an elevated hemoglobin level may be a sign that you need to change your treatment regimen.
Your doctor may decide to combine the results of the hemoglobin test with those of other tests, or more tests might be required, depending on whether your hemoglobin level is below or above usual.
 

Anything else I should know about this test?

 
Anemia comes in various forms, some of which are minor, while others if left untreated, can be dangerous and even fatal. If you have anemia, consult your doctor online to determine the best treatment plan for you.