Hgb, or hemoglobin, is a protein found in red blood cells that's vital for carrying oxygen throughout your body. A blood test measuring Hgb levels helps assess your overall health, primarily identifying potential anemia.
Understanding Hemoglobin (Hgb)
Hemoglobin's primary function is oxygen transport. It binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to the body's tissues. Therefore, Hgb levels directly reflect your body's oxygen-carrying capacity. Low Hgb indicates your body isn't producing enough healthy red blood cells, possibly due to anemia. Conversely, high Hgb might suggest underlying conditions.
What the Hgb Test Measures
A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood, expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Normal ranges vary slightly based on age and sex. Generally, for men, a level below 13.2 g/dL is considered low, while for women, it's below 11.6 g/dL. These are general guidelines; your doctor considers individual factors for a proper interpretation.
- Low Hgb: Can signify anemia, various nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, folate), internal bleeding, bone marrow disorders, or kidney disease.
- High Hgb: Could be a symptom of dehydration, certain types of heart disease, lung disease, or sleep apnea.
Why is the Hgb test performed?
Hemoglobin tests are frequently used for:
- Routine check-ups: A routine physical often includes an Hgb test as a basic health assessment.
- Anemia screening: It's crucial for diagnosing and monitoring anemia, a common blood disorder.
- Assessing overall health: It helps doctors understand your body's oxygen-carrying capacity, indicating potential health problems.
- Blood donation screening: Before donating blood, the Red Cross checks Hgb levels to ensure the donor's health and the safety of the blood supply.
Where to find more information:
For detailed information and reliable resources on hemoglobin tests and related conditions, consult these websites:
