Synonyms
Haemoglobin percent , Hgb%
Clinical Significance
The hemoglobin (Hgb) test measures how much hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hb is the iron-containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in red blood cells (erythrocytes). Hemoglobin in blood carries oxygen from the respiratory organs to the rest of the body tissues. Haemoglobin bound to oxygen give RBCs their chrom color, therefore variation in haemoglobin are referred to as chromic changes.
Specimen
Whole blood 1ml or 3ml
Stability
24 hours at 20 - 25 ˚C
72 hours at 2 to 8 ˚C
7 days at -20 ˚C
Reference Range
Male : 12.5 – 16.0 g/dL
Female : 11.5 – 15.0 g/dL
Interpretation
Haemoglobin is decreased in:
Blood loss
Protein malnutrition
Iron deficiency
Copper deficiency
Vitamin C deficiency
Vitamin B1 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Folic Acid deficiency
Chronic liver disease
Chronic kidney disease
Bone marrow insufficiency
Worm infestation
Haemodilution in pregnancy
Herediatary anemia
Haemoglobin is increased in:
Polycythemia vera
High altitude adaptation
Pulmonary pathology
Spenic hypofunction
Testosterone supplementation
Dehydration
Emphysema
Severe asthma
Long standing respiratory distress
Macrocytosis
Adrenal cortex overactivity
Limitation
There are a number of adverse effects associated with hemoglobin. This happens either when the hemoglobin levels are high because there are too many red blood cells in the bloodstream, or when larger amounts of free hemoglobin are released into the blood flow because of increased red blood cell destruction. Treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and other drugs, such as cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, lorazepam, and diclofenac can also cause releasing a massive amount of free hemoglobin into the bloodstream. If hemoglobin level is below or above normal, it needs to evaluate the hemoglobin test results along with those of other tests, or additional tests may be necessary, to determine the real treatment.