Hemoglobin
Discover Hemoglobin levels for oxygen-carrying capacity and anemia screening. Monitor blood health with essential biomarker tracking.
What is Hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to tissues throughout your body. It also helps transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs for elimination, making it essential for cellular respiration.
Why is it Tested?
Doctors measure hemoglobin to diagnose and monitor anemia, assess blood loss, evaluate fatigue or weakness, and screen for blood disorders. It’s included in complete blood counts and helps guide treatment for various conditions affecting oxygen transport.
Normal Ranges
Reference ranges vary by gender:
- Men: 14–18 g/dL
- Women: 12–16 g/dL
Slightly lower values may be normal in children, elderly individuals, and pregnant women.
Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
Low Hemoglobin (Anemia)
Reduced levels may indicate:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Blood loss (acute or chronic)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Bone marrow disorders
- Nutritional deficiencies (B12, folate)
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
High Hemoglobin
Elevated levels may suggest:
- Dehydration
- Lung disease
- Heart disease
- Living at high altitude
- Polycythemia vera
- Smoking
How to Track Over Time
Hemoglobin levels provide insight into oxygen-carrying capacity and overall health status. Gradual declines may signal developing anemia or chronic conditions, while improvements during treatment confirm therapeutic effectiveness. Regular monitoring helps optimize anemia management.
Track your Hemoglobin results over time
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