| Login | Register
LIVESTRONG.COM Blog: St. Patrick's Day Healthy Recipe Search
  • Food & Fitness
  • Members

See exclusive coverage at the official Team RadioShack site.

Team Photos Tour Down Under

Hemoglobin

Text size:  |  Print  |   | 

What is Hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A blood test can tell how much hemoglobin you have in your blood. See also: Hemoglobin electrophoresis



Alternative names

Hgb; Hb



How the Test is Performed

Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood. Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the bloo...



What is Hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A blood test can tell how much hemoglobin you have in your blood.

See also: Hemoglobin electrophoresis

Alternative names

Hgb; Hb

How the Test is Performed

Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is necessary.

How the Test Will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed

complete blood count

Normal Results

Normal results vary, but in general are:

  • Male: 13.8 to 17.2 gm/dL
  • Female: 12.1 to 15.1 gm/dL

Note: gm/dL = grams per deciliter

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Risks

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling light-headed
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

References

Zuckerman K. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 162.

Content provided by:

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Review Date: 2/13/2009

Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Hemoglobin Videos

Hemoglobin Articles

  • How to Boost Hemoglobin

    Hemoglobin is an important part of your blood that helps deliver iron and oxygen to healthy tissues. It's made up of four protein molecules called globulin chains. Two are alpha globulin, and two a...

  • What Is Hemoglobin A1C?

    ...that, he needs another test, called the hemoglobin A1c glucose test.

  • What Is Hemoglobin A1c?

    ...ints a picture of the importance of the hemoglobin A1c test to quickly, safely and accurately measure a person's risk for developing diabetes as well control glucose levels if he or she has diab...

  • 5 Things You Need to Know About Glycosylated Hemoglobin

    Glycosylated hemoglobin, also known as hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c, is a measurement of the amount of sugar attached to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. It is a measurement taken in patients wi...

Show More

Hemoglobin Images

Related Symptoms

Related Drugs

  • Epoetin Alfa Injection

    Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia (a lower than normal number of red blood cells) in people with chronic kidney fa...

  • Darbepoetin Alfa Injection

    Darbepoetin alfa is used to treat anemia (a lower than normal number of red blood cells) in people with chronic kidne...

  • Sitagliptin

    Sitagliptin is used along with diet and exercise and sometimes with other medications to lower blood sugar levels in ...

  • Repaglinide

    This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Show More

Related Diseases

  • Hemoglobin C disease

    Hemoglobin C disease is a blood disorder passed down through families. It leads to a type of anemia, which causes red...

  • Hemoglobinopathy

    Hemoglobinopathy is a group of disorders passed down through families (inherited) in which there is abnormal producti...

  • Methemoglobinemia - acquired

    MetHemoglobinemia is a blood disorder in which the body cannot reuse Hemoglobin after it is damaged. Hemoglobin is th...

  • Methemoglobinemia

    MetHemoglobinemia is a blood disorder in which the body cannot recycle Hemoglobin after it is damaged. Hemoglobin is ...

  • Anemia

    ...d cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells. It gives...

  • Thalassemia

    ...hich the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The disord...

Show More

Vitamins

  • Vitamin B6

    Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is required for the body to produce serotonin and norepinephrine. It is also important for my...

Related Tests

  • Hemoglobin derivatives

    hemoglobin derivatives are altered forms of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that moves oxygen and carbon dio...

  • Hemoglobin electrophoresis

    hemoglobin electrophoresis is a test that measures the different types of the oxygen-carrying substance (hemoglobin) ...

  • Hemoglobin

    hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A blood test can tell how much hemoglobin you have in...

  • Serum hemoglobin

    Serum hemoglobin is a test that measures the level of free hemoglobin in the liquid part of the blood (the serum). Fr...

Show More

Conversations On Hemoglobin

  • advice for a "checkup"


    • Posted On June 13, 2008 10:49:57 PM

      ...g) 3.9 5.8 mmol/L See also glycosylated hemoglobin Glucose (fasting) 70 105 mg/dL [edit] Molecular profiles Protein electrophoresis (general technique -- not a specific test) Western blot ... Read More

    • Posted On June 13, 2008 10:16:13 PM

      Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions regarding preventative health... So it's been somewhat a long time since I had health insurance...probably at least 2 years. And I didn't use/go to th... Read More

  • A great way to save lives and burn calories


    • Posted On March 11, 2008 08:01:55 PM

      ... pulse, blood pressure and blood count (hemoglobin or hematocrit) are measured. More info: http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html Read More

    • Posted On March 11, 2008 05:42:41 PM

      According to the mayo clinic, donating blood uses 650 calories. Can the mods add this to the workout list? If elligible, you may donate every 8 weeks. Doing the paperwork is the hardest part of... Read More

  • Tiredness has bothered me for too long


    • Posted On May 10, 2009 04:20:22 PM

      ... (there are two types... hematocrit and hemoglobin, I believe, if I remember from my tests, correctly), your hormones and anything else your doctor can think of. Keep asking. Make sure you're ea... Read More

    • Posted On May 9, 2009 04:34:51 PM

      So here is the deal, I have always had to take a nap during the day. Nothing huge usually 30 minutes usually. The thing is I always get 8 hours sleep. And I have always been like this. My friends j... Read More

  • tired recently


    • Posted On January 22, 2009 11:56:30 AM

      ... call from the Dr. to go to the ER. My hemoglobin levels were at a 5, should have been at a 12. I was severely anemic and close to heart failure! I had a blood transfusion and received 2 bags... Read More

    • Posted On January 19, 2009 07:05:25 PM

      Hi! I was just wondering if anyone else found themselves to be really tired lately? I stopped exercising for about 4 days, and I'm just exhausted all the time now. Read More

  • Are bananas bad?


    • Posted On March 26, 2008 11:13:59 AM

      ...bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia. Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, maki... Read More

    • Posted On March 26, 2008 11:32:33 AM

      ...bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia. Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, makin... Read More

  • Frustrated!!!


    • Posted On March 26, 2007 08:28:58 PM

      ...ants, causing the condition known as methemoglobinemia, also called "blue baby syndrome". . .When Nitrate is taken in by eating food and drinking water, Nitrate is converted in the gut to nitri... Read More

    • Posted On March 25, 2007 06:51:18 AM

      Ok, so I've been eating good all this week, exercising etc. I've increased my protein and lowered carbs etc. And I've been fairly close to reaching my daily caloric limits. SO that being said why d... Read More

Show More

Write for LIVESTRONG.COM

Write for us

Do you work in health, fitness or nutrition? Share your expertise by writing for LIVESTRONG.COM

Learn More
advertisement

Related Topics

more

Hemoglobin Images

Members Who Dare

More Members Who Dare

Talk

kimbrrr: @felfoldi email me if you want me to ask him about it. I think it is for glaucoma but has other fxn to help your hemoglobin keep more ox!

bridges2italy: Italian researchers find hemoglobin to store oxygen also in brain to protect nervous system from ischemia

proficiency: Glycated Hemoglobin Tests See Increasing Use http://ping.fm/sUXpE

dancindeac: @ktclaff lol-ing at your kids' TT list. hemoglobin? aloe vera? spanish-english dictionary. awesome. #thankfulthursday

jujubuglove: RT @TeamMcKenna : McKenna is doin good this morning! Watching Clifford lol PBS :) getting some blood her hemoglobin is a little low.

Additional Reading



Tools

The Daily Plate

Track your daily calories. See how many calories you burn and consume.

Body Mass Index

BMI is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

LIVESTRONG Loops

Map your local running, cycling, walking and hiking routes and track your calorie burn.

Stay Motivated

Find us on the web, receive emails and use our mobile app to keep you motivated.

Symptom Checker

This tool will help you to decide whether to treat at home or see a doctor.