A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein that's the main component of red blood cells (erythrocytes). Hemoglobin contains iron, which allows it to bind to oxygen. Hemoglobin enables your red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to other tissues and organs throughout your body.
The amount of hemoglobin you have, or your hemoglobin levels, provides clues about how healthy your red blood cells are. Knowing your hemoglobin level can help a healthcare provider diagnose blood disorders and other conditions. Hemoglobin tests are commonly used to diagnose anemia, which involves not having enough hemoglobin or healthy red blood cells.
Why is a hemoglobin test done?
Your provider may perform a hemoglobin test as part of a routine physical exam. Hemoglobin tests are part of a complete blood count (CBC) test, which identifies the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in a blood sample. This information allows your provider to assess your health and screen for certain conditions.
Your provider may also perform a hemoglobin test if you have symptoms that suggest conditions related to low hemoglobin levels or high hemoglobin levels.
Low hemoglobin
Having low hemoglobin or too few red blood cells (RBC) can deprive your tissues and organs of the oxygen they need to make energy and keep you healthy.
ymptoms of low hemoglobin include:
Fatigue.
Pale skin (pallor).
Weakness.
Dizziness.
Shortness of breath.
Cold hands and feet.
High hemoglobin
Having high hemoglobin or too many red blood cells can cause your blood to thicken and become sluggish. Thick blood doesn't flow as quickly, depriving your organs of oxygen.
Symptoms of high hemoglobin include:
Headaches.
Blurred or double vision.
Dizziness.
Itching.
Blood clots.
Finally, your provider may check your hemoglobin to see how you respond to treatments meant to lower or boost your red blood cell count.
How do I prepare for a hemoglobin test?
A hemoglobin test doesn't require any special preparation. It only takes a few minutes. You can get tested in your provider's office, a medical laboratory or another outpatient setting.
In some instances, a hemoglobin test occurs alongside other blood tests that will require you to fast (no food or drink) for a specific time before the test. Follow your provider's instructions so you're prepared.
How is a hemoglobin test done?
Your healthcare provider will take a blood sample from your arm or hand. They can also draw blood using a finger prick. A heel stick may be used for newborns or infants.
First, your provider will swab your skin with alcohol. They'll place an elastic band around your upper arm and ask you to make a fist to make the blood flow easier. Then, they'll insert a small needle into a vein. You may feel a sting when the needle's inserted. Your blood will flow from the needle into a vial.
Finally, your provider will send the vial to a lab for analysis.
What are the risks of a hemoglobin test?
Blood tests don't involve many risks. You may experience slight pain during the blood draw, and the site may appear bruised or swollen for a few days. These symptoms usually go away on their own.
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