Do you also feel tired and lifeless all the time? Do you sometimes feel dizzy or your limbs get cold? One reason for these things could be a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. So today, let's talk simply and friendly about what this hemoglobin is, what the test that measures it says, and what diseases it can detect.
Simply put, what is hemoglobin?
Think about it, red blood cells are the little 'trucks' that carry oxygen throughout our bodies. Then the main one that loads those trucks with oxygen and distributes it to all parts of the body is called hemoglobin . This is a special protein found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin contains iron. It is this iron that binds to oxygen and helps carry it from the lungs to every other organ and tissue in the body.
Simply put, the amount of hemoglobin in your blood gives you a good idea of how healthy your red blood cells are. Knowing this level can help your doctor diagnose blood-related diseases and other conditions, such as anemia.
Why is this hemoglobin test done?
When you go for a routine checkup, your doctor will likely order a hemoglobin test as part of a complete blood count (CBC). The CBC measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. This information can give you a good picture of your overall health.
Additionally, if you have symptoms of low or high hemoglobin levels, your doctor will definitely recommend this test.
| Symptoms of low hemoglobin levels | Symptoms of increased hemoglobin levels |
|---|---|
| Constant feeling of extreme fatigue | Headache |
| Pale skin (especially the face, lips, and palms) | Blurred vision or double vision |
| Weakness/weakness | Dizziness |
| Dizziness | Itchy skin |
| Difficulty breathing (breathlessness even when walking a little) | Risk of blood clots |
| Cold hands and feet | - |
Do you need to prepare before the test?
A test that simply checks hemoglobin levels does not require any special preparation. It can be done in just a few minutes.
However, sometimes your doctor will order a few more blood tests along with this test. If that's the case, you'll be asked to fast (without food or drink) for a few hours before the test. So it's best to ask your doctor for the exact instructions.
How do you do this test?
This is very simple. A doctor or nurse will take a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm (near the elbow) or the back of your hand. For a small baby, a drop of blood can be taken from the heel or the tip of a finger.
First, the area is cleaned with alcohol, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to expose the vein. Then, a small needle is inserted into the vein. You will feel a slight stinging sensation when the needle is inserted, but it is short-lived. Then, the blood is collected in a small vial and sent to the lab for testing.
What does the test report say?
This test will show you exactly whether your hemoglobin level is normal, low, or high. It can also give you an idea of how severe the condition is.
But this does not tell us exactly what caused the abnormal hemoglobin level.
This is like checking whether the water in a house's water tank is low or high. If the water is low, you need to look separately to find out whether the cause is an open tap, a hole in the tank, or a problem with the motor. Similarly, to find the cause of low/high hemoglobin, the doctor will look at your symptoms and all other test reports to come to a decision.
What are normal hemoglobin values?
The normal hemoglobin level for an adult is between 12 and 17.4 grams per deciliter of blood (`12 g/dL - 17.4 g/dL`). However, this value can vary somewhat depending on your age, gender, and ethnicity. Also, things related to your lifestyle can affect your hemoglobin level, such as:
- Altitude where you live
- Your diet
- Amount of exercise
- Some medications you take
What does low hemoglobin mean?
Anemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin level is lower than normal. This can mean that your body is not producing enough red blood cells, or that the red blood cells it does produce are being destroyed too quickly. Also, prolonged bleeding (e.g., heavy menstruation, stomach ulcers) is a major cause of low hemoglobin.
Some other reasons that can cause low hemoglobin:
- Iron deficiency
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 or folic acid
- Cancers that affect the blood or bone marrow
- Thalassemia
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Sickle cell disease
- Bleeding due to surgery, accident, or other cause
What does increased hemoglobin mean?
Some medical conditions can cause your red blood cell count to increase, causing your hemoglobin level to increase. This thickens your blood and slows down blood flow. This can reduce the amount of oxygen your organs receive. Dehydration can also temporarily increase your hemoglobin level.
Several conditions that can cause increased hemoglobin:
- The condition called `Polycythemia vera`
- Congenital heart disease
- Some kidney diseases, including kidney cancer
- Chronic lung disease (COPD, pulmonary fibrosis)
Is this the same as the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test?
This is where many people get confused. The standard hemoglobin test and hemoglobin A1c (`HbA1c`) are two completely different tests.
- Normal hemoglobin test: This measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. It is mainly used to diagnose conditions like anemia.
- Hemoglobin A1c (`HbA1c`) test: This is done to diagnose diabetes (`Diabetes Mellitus`) or to see if a diabetic has had their blood sugar levels controlled over the past 2-3 months. The sugar (glucose) in your blood attaches to hemoglobin. `HbA1c` measures the percentage of hemoglobin that has this sugar attached.
The most important thing is that you understand that these two tests are conducted for two completely different purposes.
If your report shows abnormal values, your doctor will explain this to you. He or she may also order additional tests to find the cause. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your hemoglobin level change. So always discuss this with your doctor and follow his or her advice.
Take-Home Message
- Hemoglobin is the most important protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body.
- Symptoms such as frequent fatigue, paleness, and dizziness may be signs of low hemoglobin.
- The hemoglobin test is a very simple, virtually risk-free blood test that can be performed in just a few minutes.
- If the test result is abnormal, you should definitely see a doctor to find out the cause. Don't try to diagnose yourself by looking online.
- The normal hemoglobin test and the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test for diabetes are two completely different tests.
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