Haemoglobin (Hb) is a protein contained in red blood cells which carries oxygen. A low Haemoglobin or “blood count” is known as anaemia.
How the Test is Performed
Haemoglobin (Hb) may be performed as a simple bedside test on a fingerprick sample of blood using a hand-held colour-comparison device.
It may also be performed as a laboratory blood test, usually as part of a Full Blood Count (FBC), on a few millilitres of blood from a vein.
Medical Conditions and Symptoms
Haemoglobin (Hb) may be requested to diagnose or exclude anaemia (low blood count) – which causes tiredness, shortness of breath on exertion and possibly postural light-headedness.
An increased Haemoglobin may be present in smokers or those with chronic lung disease, and causes a plethoric or “ruddy” complexion.
Test Results Explained
A LOW Haemoglobin (Hb) is called anaemia, and has a variety of causes, including chronic (over a long time) blood loss, destruction of red cells, decreased blood cell formation in the bone marrow, defective production of haemoglobin, or chronic illness.
A HIGH Haemoglobin (Hb) is called polycythaemia and may be caused by smoking, chronic lung disease or a blood condition called polycythaemia rubra vera (PRV).
Related Specialists
- Haematologist
- General Practitioner (GP)
- General Physician
- General Surgeon
- Emergency Physician
- Anaesthetist
- Nephrologist
- Obstetrician
- Oncologist
- Paediatrician
Related Procedures
- Blood test (venesection)
- Endoscopy of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
- Colonoscopy
- Pre-operative Anaesthetic assessment
- Bone Marrow Biopsy
Related Tests
- Full Blood Count (FBC)
- White Cell Count (WCC, WBC)
- Differential White Cell Count (Diff)
- Platelet Count (Plt)
- Iron Studies (Fe)
- Haemoglobin Electrophoresis
- Endoscopy of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
- Colonoscopy
Also Known As
Links
* Anemia – American spelling of Anaemia.
