Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, helping spot anemia and related concerns.
Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein inside your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and brings carbon dioxide back. It is what gives blood its red colour.
The amount of hemoglobin in your blood is a direct measure of how well your blood can carry oxygen, which is why it is one of the core results in a complete blood count.
A hemoglobin test is the main way to check for anaemia. Low hemoglobin means your blood carries less oxygen and can cause tiredness, shortness of breath, and pale skin. Common causes include iron, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, blood loss, and chronic illness.
High hemoglobin is less common and can result from dehydration, smoking, living at altitude, or, rarely, a bone marrow condition. The result is most useful read with the other red cell values.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Ranges are guidance, are sex-specific, and vary by laboratory.
| Group | Reference range (SI) |
|---|---|
| Women | 120 to 160 g/L |
| Men | 135 to 175 g/L |
Aligned to German laboratory practice (DGKL). Always interpret against your own lab's range.
Dehydration can raise the reading and overhydration can lower it. Pregnancy lowers hemoglobin. Recent heavy bleeding may not show fully until fluid balance settles. Very high white cell counts or high blood fats can interfere with some analysers.
Read together with hematocrit, red blood cell count, red cell indices (MCV, MCH), and iron studies such as ferritin.
What does a low hemoglobin mean? It often indicates anemia and reduced oxygen delivery. Your clinician may suggest iron, B12, or folate checks.
What can affect my hemoglobin result? Hydration, altitude, smoking, recent illness, heavy exercise, transfusion, and some medicines can change values.
Do I need to fast for this test? No. Fasting is not required for hemoglobin.
How often should I test hemoglobin? Test when you have symptoms, during routine checks, or as advised when monitoring treatment.
How long do results take? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.
What should I discuss with my clinician? Share symptoms, bleeding, diet, altitude or smoking exposure, medicines, and whether iron, B12, folate, or a repeat CBC is needed.
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