Purpose of The Hemoglobin Test
A hemoglobin level is part of a standard complete blood count (CBC), so you may have your level measured when you have your routine yearly physical—even if you don't have symptoms. A hemoglobin test is also part of the standard comprehensive newborn screening.
But there are times when healthcare providers may order this test for a more specific reason.
If you have symptoms consistent with altered hemoglobin, you may have this test to help determine the cause of your symptoms. These may include:
Tiredness and low energy
Dizziness
Generalized ailment
Malnutrition or weight loss
Yellow skin and/or eyes (jaundice)
Urine or stool containing blood
Bruising
Serious trauma
Vomiting in excess
You may also periodically need this test to monitor a known medical illness that affects your hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin Test Process
There is nothing you need to do in order to prepare for your hemoglobin level test.
Timing:Normally, the procedure to get a blood sample takes less than five minutes. The hemoglobin test, however, requires at least an hour of your time.
Food and Drink:You don't need to change your diet in advance if you are only getting a hemoglobin test.
Finger-Prick
If you're having a finger prick, your finger tip will be cleansed and quickly pricked with a tiny needle. You may feel a sharp poke, but it only lasts for a second.
Interpreting Test Results
In the case of a finger-prick test, the blood may be put in a digital device that produces results minutes after the sample is taken. Within a day or two, the results of a typical blood draw for a hemoglobin test will be available.
| Sample Hemoglobin Level Reference Ranges | |
| For | Approximate Range |
| Women | 12.0 to 15.5 gm/dl |
| Men | 13.5 to 17.5 gm/dl |
| Childen | 11 to 16 g/dl |
| Pregnant Women | 11 to 12 g/dl |
 | Low Hemoglobin |
Sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and glucose-6 
phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are
a few conditions that can result in low hemoglobin
levels when RBCs are critically low.
Low hemoglobin levels are most frequently caused
by iron insufficiency. Your doctor could suggest taking supplements or consuming foods high in iron to raise
your iron levels.
| High Hemoglobin |
High hemoglobin levels are related to:Polycythemia vera,
Smoking,Kidney cancer,Chronic lung disease,
Heart failure,Living at high altitude,Dehydration.
Word From Us
The level of hemoglobin can be used as a helpful indicator for several medical conditions. Since it is rare that you would have a hemoglobin level without also having other blood tests, an analysis of the findings of all the tests would be beneficial as your medical team assesses your general health.