OVERVIEW:
Hemoglobin is a protein that contains iron and is found in all red blood cells, which gives the cells their characteristic red color. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to the body's organs and tissues and transports carbon dioxide from the organs and tissues back to the lungs.
WHY GET TESTED?
- As a part of a routine checkup
- To screen for any blood related medical condition
- To diagnose a medical condition
- To monitor a medical condition
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. A hemoglobin level test can be performed alone or with a hematocrit, a test that measures the proportion of blood that is made up of RBCs, to evaluate the red blood cells. It is also one major component of the complete blood count (CBC), a group of tests that are often used in the general evaluation of the health.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How is this test performed?
This test is performed on a blood sample. The healthcare provider extracts blood from the vein in the following way.
- clean the skin
- put an elastic band above the area
- insert a needle into a vein (usually in the arm inside of the elbow or on the back of the hand)
- pull the blood sample into a vial or syringe
- take off the elastic band and remove the needle from the vein
What are the risks associated with this test?
There is no significant risk associated with this test. A small bruise or mild soreness around the blood test site is common and can last for a few days. Get medical care if the discomfort gets worse or lasts longer.
What diseases can a complete blood count detect?
CBC results help to diagnose:
- Anemia
- Leukemia
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Bone marrow diseases
- Polycythemia
- Cancer
- Autoimmune disorders
What are the symptoms of Anemia?
The most common symptoms of anemia are:
- Easy Fatigue
- Loss of energy
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Pale skin
- Insomnia
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
The normal range for hemoglobin is:
- For men: 5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter
- For women: 0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter
