An HB test, also known as a hemoglobin test, measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and make energy for you to function.
An HB test can be used to diagnose several conditions, including:
- Anemia: If your hemoglobin levels are low, it means you have anemia, which is a condition where your body doesn't have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen.
- Other blood disorders: Abnormal hemoglobin levels may also indicate other blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia.
The HB test is a simple and painless blood test. A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the test are typically available within a few days.
