How hemoglobin is measured?

Quick Guide to hemoglobin test

Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein found in red blood cells that gives them their distinctive red color. Hemoglobin is primarily responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to other cells in the body's tissues and organs. Hemoglobin tests are commonly used to detect anemia, a lack of red blood cells, which can have a variety of health effects. There are also tests for high hemoglobin levels, which are mostly caused by drugs.

About Hemoglobin Test

Purpose of the hemoglobin test

Hemoglobin test is used to find out how much hemoglobin is in your blood. Testing for hemoglobin is most often used to determine if you have low levels of red blood cells, a condition known as anemia.

In addition to determining anemia, hemoglobin test can be involved in the diagnosis of other health problems such as liver and kidney disease, blood disorders, malnutrition, certain types of cancer, and heart and lung disease.

For people who have been treated for anemia or other conditions that may affect their hemoglobin levels, a hemoglobin test may be ordered to check their response to treatment and to monitor the progress of their overall health.

What does a hemoglobin test measure?

The hemoglobin test measures the volume of the protein hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is measured in grams per deciliter of blood (g/dL) or grams per liter of blood (g/L).

Hemoglobin is a component of red blood cells (RBCs) and gives these cells their red color. A major function of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen to cells throughout the body. Another function of hemoglobin is to transport carbon dioxide from organs and tissues back to the lungs for exhalation.

When should I have a hemoglobin test?

Hemoglobin is a measure of how much oxygen your body is likely to get. hemoglobin test levels can also reflect whether you have enough iron in your blood. Therefore, if you have signs and symptoms of low oxygen or low iron, your health care provider may order a complete blood count to measure hemoglobin.
These symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath during physical activity
• Dizziness
• Skin that is whiter or more yellow than usual
• Headaches
• Irregular heartbeat

Although less common, high hemoglobin test levels can also lead to health problems. If you have signs of abnormally high hemoglobin test levels, for example, a hemoglobin test may be needed for:

• Visual disturbances
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Slurred speech
• Redness of the face

Your health care provider may also test you for hemoglobin test if you have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having:

• Blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia
• Diseases affecting the lungs, liver, kidneys, or cardiovascular system
• Heavy bleeding from trauma or surgery
• Malnutrition or a diet low in vitamins and minerals, especially iron
• Severe long-term infections
• Cognitive impairment, especially in the elderly
• Certain types of cancer

The hemoglobin test results you see most often are part of a complete blood count test. A complete blood count is part of a common collection of tests that are often ordered by health care providers to assess your overall health. Therefore, having a hemoglobin test does not necessarily mean that your healthcare provider suspects you have a health problem.

How do I get a hemoglobin test?

A hemoglobin test is most commonly performed by a licensed professional at a medical facility. It is usually performed as part of a complete blood count test in a doctor's office, clinic, laboratory or hospital. The test can be performed by drawing blood or by a fingertip test.
A hemoglobin test is usually prescribed by your doctor. If you have symptoms that may be related to abnormal hemoglobin test levels, discuss them with your health care provider.

Can I have the hemoglobin test done at home?

At home hemoglobin test is an option. You can test at home using a hemoglobin meter, which uses one or more drops of blood to test your hemoglobin level. The blood drops are obtained by pricking the finger with a small needle. The blood is dripped onto a hemoglobin test strip. The hemoglobin meter will measure your hemoglobin test level in a short time from the blood sample on the hemoglobin meter test strip.

How hemoglobin is measured?