What should I monitor for low hemoglobin?
Test Quick GuideHemoglobin is an iron-rich protein found in Red Blood Cells (RBC), giving them their unique red color. It is primarily responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the tissues and organs of your body. Show
A hemoglobin test is often used to detect anemia, which is a deficiency of RBC that can have adverse health effects. While hemoglobin can be tested on its own, it’s more often tested as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test that also measures levels of other types of blood cells. A hemoglobin test is used to find out how much
hemoglobin is in your blood. It is most often used to determine if you have low levels of RBC, a condition known as anemia. In addition to identifying anemia, a hemoglobin test can be involved in the diagnosis of other health problems like liver and kidney disease, blood disorders, malnutrition, some kinds of cancer, and heart and lung conditions. If you have been treated for anemia or other conditions that can affect hemoglobin levels, a hemoglobin test
may be ordered to check your response to treatment and monitor the progression of your overall health. A hemoglobin test measures the volume of the protein hemoglobin found in your RBC. It is measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL) of blood or grams per liter (g/L) of blood. Hemoglobin is one component of RBC and gives these cells their distinct red color. A main function of hemoglobin is to carry oxygen to
cells throughout the body. It also has a role in transporting carbon dioxide from the organs and tissues back to the lungs where it can be exhaled. When measured as part of a CBC test, other blood components may be measured including: Hemoglobin is one indicator of how much oxygen your body may be getting. Levels can also reflect whether you have enough iron in your blood. Accordingly, your provider may order a CBC to measure hemoglobin if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of low oxygen or iron. These symptoms can include: Although less common, high hemoglobin levels can also cause health problems. A hemoglobin test may be ordered if you have signs of abnormally high hemoglobin levels, such as: Your provider may also order a hemoglobin test if you have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having: You most often see results for a hemoglobin test as part of a CBC test, a common collection of tests often ordered by a provider to assess your overall health. For this reason, having a hemoglobin test does not necessarily mean your provider suspects a health problem. A hemoglobin test is most commonly conducted by a licensed professional in a health care setting. It is usually part of a CBC test done in a doctor’s office, clinic, laboratory, or hospital. The test may be performed with a blood draw or a fingerstick test. You can order a
CBC test online from Testing.com and get tested at a local lab. A hemoglobin test is normally prescribed by a doctor, so talk with your health care provider if you have symptoms that could be related to abnormal hemoglobin levels. There are
options for at-home hemoglobin testing. At-home tests use one or more drops of blood to provide an estimation of hemoglobin levels. The drops of blood are obtained by pricking your finger with a tiny needle. At-home hemoglobin tests may produce values that are less accurate than laboratory testing, especially for certain patients. For the most accurate results, hemoglobin tests should be administered by trained laboratory personnel. Your doctor can help
you understand if at-home testing is appropriate in your case, and never use at-home tests in place of consultation with your doctor about your health. Hemoglobin tests are usually part of a CBC. The cost for a CBC panel depends on whether you have health insurance and whether it covers the test. Other factors that can affect the cost include where your blood is drawn and the charges for the laboratory where your provider
sends your blood sample. If you order a test online with Testing.com, you’ll pay $37 for a CBC. Check directly with your doctor or your insurance provider to find out about expected costs, including any copays or deductibles. Taking a Hemoglobin TestHemoglobin is measured by taking a blood sample. A hemoglobin test is most often part of a blood draw ordered and conducted by a medical professional in a health care setting. In infants, hemoglobin tests may be conducted by pricking the heel or finger of the child. Before the testUnless specified by your provider, no special preparation is needed for a hemoglobin test. In some instances, hemoglobin is tested along with other blood tests. When you are getting more than one blood test, your provider may ask you to not eat anything for a certain amount of time prior to your test. If you have questions or concerns about any test preparation, contact your health care provider for detailed instructions. During the testMost hemoglobin tests involve a blood draw from a vein inside your elbow or at the top of your hand. The steps for taking a blood draw include:
For young children, testing may involve a blood sample taken from the heel or finger. Those tests follow these steps:
After the testOnce blood is drawn, the health care provider may apply pressure to the puncture site with a cotton swab. If you are prone to bleeding, they may place an adhesive bandage over the cotton swab to maintain the pressure. After any blood draw test, such as hemoglobin, it’s important to watch out for dizziness or lightheadedness. Your provider may want you to stay seated for a few minutes until they can determine that you are safe to get up and walk and/or drive. Other than possible lightheadedness, side effects from a blood draw may include slight bruising at the puncture site. Hemoglobin Test ResultsReceiving test resultsResults from a hemoglobin test are often available within a few days after you have had your blood drawn. You may receive results by mail or electronically. Your doctor’s office may also contact you to discuss your test results. Interpreting test resultsThe numbers associated with your result are in grams per deciliter or g/dL. Hemoglobin reference ranges may vary depending on age and sex. The high and low values of a normal test result, called the reference range, may differ depending on the laboratory and the methods used to conduct the test. For this reason, it is essential to look at the reference range listed on your test report. An example of potential reference range, provided by the American Board of Internal Medicine, is listed in the following tables: Hemoglobin Reference Range for Adults
Hemoglobin Reference Range Newborns and Infants
While these provide an example of a potential reference range, your results are only considered abnormal based on the range used by the specific laboratory that performed the test. Because hemoglobin is affected by many factors, it is important that you discuss your results with your provider if you have any concerns. Only your doctor can clarify if your hemoglobin test results are normal for your situation. If hemoglobin levels are low, it can be a sign of anemia. There are many potential causes of anemia including blood loss, nutritional deficiencies, and many other conditions. High hemoglobin can also be a sign of underlying health problems including conditions affecting the lung and heart. Dehydration, smoking, living at a high altitude, and some genetic conditions can also lead to high levels of hemoglobin. Abnormal hemoglobin levels are not a diagnosis of any of these conditions. Instead, your hemoglobin levels are evaluated in the context of your symptoms, other blood counts, and additional test results to diagnose an underlying cause of high or low levels of hemoglobin. Abnormal hemoglobin test results may or may not require follow-up testing. Hemoglobin is often evaluated alongside other components of a CBC to look for signs of disease or monitor health conditions. If they feel it is necessary, your doctor may order additional testing if you have low hemoglobin. Often follow-up testing aims to evaluate the cause or causes of anemia. Testing for anemia may include tests such as a reticulocyte count, a renal panel, a liver panel, hemolysis testing, or a blood smear. Follow-up testing is based on your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests. For questions about follow-up testing, make sure to speak with your doctor. The following questions may be helpful when reviewing your hemoglobin test results with your doctor:
Resources
SourcesA.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. Hemoglobin. Updated January 13, 2020. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003645.htm American Board of Internal Medicine. ABIM Laboratory Test Reference Ranges. Updated January 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.abim.org/Media/bfijryql/laboratory-reference-ranges.pdf American Cancer Society. Low Red Blood Cell Counts (Anemia). Updated February 1, 2020. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html Ashorobi D, Ramsey A, Yarrarapu SNS, Bhatt R. Sickle Cell Trait. In: StatPearls. Updated July 18, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537130/ Badireddy M, Baradhi KM. Chronic Anemia. In: StatPearls. Updated May 8, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534803/ Bajwa H, Basit H. Thalassemia. In: StatPearls. Updated June 7, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545151/ Baldwin C, Pandey J, Olarewaju O. Hemolytic Anemia. In: StatPearls. Updated June 6, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558904/ Billett HH. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, eds. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd Edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 151. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK259/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Blood and Urine Collection. Date Unknown. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/nhanes_09_10/labcomp_f.pdf Doyle J, Cooper JS. Physiology, Carbon Dioxide Transport. In: StatPearls. Updated July 5, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532988/ Eyth E, Naik R. Hemoglobin A1C. In: StatPearls. Updated March 15, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31747223/ Feller-Kopman DJ, Schwartzstein RM. The Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of the Adult Patient with Acute Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure. In: Stoller, JK, ed. UpToDate. Updated June 14, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-evaluation-diagnosis-and-treatment-of-the-adult-patient-with-acute-hypercapnic-respiratory-failure Freeman AM, Rai M, Morando DW. Anemia Screening. In: StatPearls. Updated July 31, 2021. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499905/ Doyle J, Cooper J. Physiology, Carbon Dioxide Transport. In: StatPearls. Updated July 12, 2021. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532988/ Maakaron JE. Anemia Workup. In: Besa EC, ed. Medscape. Updated September 27, 2021. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/198475-workup# MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine. Anemia. Updated July 29, 2016. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/anemia.html MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine. Hemoglobin Test. Updated April 5, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hemoglobin-test/ Colbert GB. Anemia of Chronic Disease and Kidney Failure. In: Besa EC, ed. Medscape. Updated December 16, 2021. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1389854-overview National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Blood Tests. March 24, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-tests Pillai AA, Fazal S, Babiker HM. Polycythemia. In: StatPearls. Updated July 10, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526081/ Powers JM, Sandoval C. Approach to the Child With Anemia. In: O’Brien, S, Lorin, MI, eds. UpToDate. Updated March 7, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-the-child-with-anemia Prchal JT. Molecular Pathogenesis of Congenital Erythrocytoses and Polycythemia Vera. In: Larson, RA, ed. UpToDate. Updated May 24, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/molecular-pathogenesis-of-congenital-polycythemic-disorders-and-polycythemia-vera Tefferi A. Diagnostic Approach to the Patient With Polycythemia. In: Larson, RA, ed. UpToDate. Updated May 16, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diagnostic-approach-to-the-patient-with-polycythemia Maakaron, JE. Anemia. In: Besa EC, ed. Medscape. Updated September 27, 2021. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/198475-overview See More Ask a Laboratory Scientist
 This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. Your questions will be answered by a laboratory scientist as part of a voluntary service provided by one of our partners, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Please allow 2-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Information Response Team. Send Us Your Question Send Us Your QuestionWhat can I watch for low hemoglobin?If your test reveals that you have a low hemoglobin count, you'll likely need more testing to determine the cause.. Fatigue.. Weakness.. Pale skin and gums.. Shortness of breath.. A fast or irregular heartbeat.. What happens if a patient has low hemoglobin?Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. In most cases, anemia has more than one cause.
When is low hemoglobin a concern?What hemoglobin levels are considered severe or dangerously low? A hemoglobin level of less than 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dl) is dangerous and could lead to heart failure or death. A normal hemoglobin level is 13.2–16.6 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for males and 11.6–15 g/dL for females.
How can I monitor my hemoglobin at home?AnemoCheck Mobile – the world's first non-invasive, equipment-free smartphone app for noninvasive and instant hemoglobin level estimation is now available for Android and iOS. The app allows users to check their hemoglobin levels using the camera of their phone to take pictures of their fingernail beds.
|
