{"id":56895,"date":"2023-02-06T09:39:14","date_gmt":"2023-02-06T14:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=56895"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:53:47","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:53:47","slug":"hgb-blood-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/hgb-blood-test\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a hemoglobin (HGB) blood test?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hemoglobin, often abbreviated as Hb or Hgb, is an essential protein in red blood cells of your blood. It plays a vital role in transporting oxygen to your tissues, and to make sure your tissues always have the oxygen they need to function, you must maintain a consistent and healthy hemoglobin level. Your healthcare provider will order a hemoglobin blood test to check for this periodically, typically at least at your routine annual checkup, and perhaps more frequently.<\/span><\/p>\n

The hemoglobin blood test is a part of a complete blood count lab test, commonly referred to as the CBC, which looks at different components of your blood, including your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These laboratory tests are very common.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is HGB?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood to the tissues of a person. We test your hemoglobin levels because it is essential to ensure you have enough hemoglobin to consistently maintain good oxygenation in your body. If your hemoglobin levels are too low, you are considered anemic. There are ways to correct anemia to ensure your tissues remain healthy, but it’s best to be aware as soon as possible so you may take corrective action. Knowing the symptoms of anemia may help you identify the issue sooner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hematocrit level<\/span><\/a> is a related measurement in the CBC your healthcare provider will consider. While hemoglobin tests measure the amount of hemoglobin in whole blood, <\/span>hematocrit<\/span><\/a> measures the volume of red blood cells compared to the total blood volume expressed as a percentage. Both tests can be affected by a patient’s fluid status. A dehydrated patient will have hemoglobin and hematocrit levels that appear higher than those with normal volume status. In comparison, a patient who is fluid-overloaded will have hemoglobin and hematocrit levels that appear lower than a normal volume status patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

Normal HGB levels<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hemoglobin levels are reported in your <\/span>lab values<\/span><\/a> in grams per deciliter (gm\/dL). Your gender at birth is a factor in determining your normal value range. Normal hemoglobin levels for adult men are higher than normal levels for adult women. Populations at <\/span>higher altitudes<\/span><\/a> tend to have higher baseline hemoglobin and hematocrit values upon blood testing. Thus geographic location is accounted for by your healthcare provider when interpreting the results. Remember, these are common measurements in blood work done as a part of a routine checkup. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Population<\/b><\/td>\nNormal Range Results for Hemoglobin<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adult Men<\/span><\/td>\n14 to 17 gm\/dL<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adult Women<\/span><\/td>\n12 to 15 gm\/dL<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10 to 17-year-old male<\/span><\/td>\n12.5 to 16.1 gm\/dL<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10 to 17-year-old female<\/span><\/td>\n12 to 15 gm\/dL<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2 to 9-year-old (male or female)<\/span><\/td>\n11.5 to 14.5 gm\/dL<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
12 to 23-month-old (male or female)<\/span><\/td>\n10.5 to 14 gm\/dL<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Factors that affect HGB<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are other factors which can affect your hemoglobin levels. These can include your <\/span>age<\/span><\/a>, medications, and any inflammation in your body. Your healthcare provider will likely try to get as much medical history from you as they can to assess your lab values.<\/span><\/p>\n

Low HGB levels<\/span><\/h2>\n

Low hemoglobin levels are those hemoglobin test results that fall below the normal range for the patient’s sex and age group. When this occurs, the patient is considered anemic. <\/span><\/p>\n

Causes of Low Hb<\/span><\/h3>\n