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Why Get Tested?
To evaluate the hemoglobin content of your blood as part of a general health checkup; to screen for and help diagnose conditions that affect red blood cells (RBCs); if you have anemia (low hemoglobin) or polycythemia (high hemoglobin), to assess the severity of these conditions and to monitor response to treatment
When To Get Tested?
With a hematocrit or as part of a complete blood count (CBC), which may be ordered as a component of a general health screen; when you have signs and symptoms of anemia (weakness, fatigue) or polycythemia (dizziness, headache); at regular intervals to monitor these conditions or response to treatment
Sample Type:
EDTA Whole Blood (Purple)
Fasting :
NO
Report Delivery:
within 48 Hrs of Test Schdule
Components:
1 Observations

Tests Detail

Observations Included

Hemoglobin *

The Test marked with (*) are in our NABL Scope.

Sample Report

Test Name	Hemoglobin (HB)
Report Availability	within 48 Hrs of Test Schdule
Code	H2033
Category	R-Routine
Schedule	Daily
TAT*	2
Tested At*	NPL
Method	Non Cyanide - SLS
Brief Description	To assess the severity of anemia & Polycythemia.Freshly prepared peripherl blood smear should accompany

*Reporting TAT in days
for the samples recieved by 4PM

*0 = Same Day, 1 = Next Day, 2 = 2nd Day,
3 = 3rd Day So on from Schedule

*NPL : Tested @ nirAmaya Pathlabs
NRL : Tested @ NPL Outsource lab

Also Known As:
Hgb Hb H and H (Hemoglobin and Hematocrit)
Formal Name:
Hemoglobin
Sample Instructions:
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or by a fingerstick (children and adults) or heelstick (newborns)
Test Preparation Needed?
None
What Is Being Tested?
Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein found in all red blood cells (RBCs) that gives the cells their characteristic red color. Hemoglobin enables RBCs to bind to oxygen in the lungs and carry it to tissues and organs throughout the body. It also helps transport a small portion of carbon dioxide, a product of cell metabolism, from tissues and organs to the lungs, where it is exhaled. The hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in a person's sample of blood. A hemoglobin level can be performed alone or with a hematocrit, a test that measures the proportion of blood that is made up of RBCs, to quickly evaluate an individual's red blood cells. Red blood cells, which make up about 40% (ranging 37-49%) of the blood's volume, are produced in the bone marrow and are released into the bloodstream when they are, or nearly are, mature. The typical lifespan of an RBC is 120 days, and the bone marrow must continually produce new RBCs to replace those that age and degrade or are lost through bleeding. Several diseases and conditions can affect RBCs and consequently the level of hemoglobin in the blood. In general, the hemoglobin level and hematocrit rise when the number of red blood cells increases. The hemoglobin level and hematocrit fall to less than normal when there is a drop in production of RBCs by the bone marrow, an increase in the destruction of RBCs, or if blood is lost due to bleeding. A drop in the RBC count, hemoglobin and hematocrit can result in anemia, a condition in which tissues and organs in the body do not get enough oxygen, causing fatigue and weakness. If too many RBCs are produced, polycythemia results and the blood can become thickened, causing sluggish blood flow and related problems. How is the sample collected for testing? A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm or by a fingerstick (for children and adults) or heelstick (for newborns). Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? N
How Is It Used?
The hemoglobin test is often used to check for anemia, usually along with a hematocrit or as part of a complete blood count (CBC). The test may be used to screen for, diagnose, or monitor a number of conditions and diseases that affect red blood cells (RBCs) and/or the amount of hemoglobin in blood. Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein found in all red blood cells that enables RBCs to bind to oxygen in the lungs and carry it to tissues and organs throughout the body. (For more, see the "What is being tested?" section.) A hemoglobin test may be used to: Screen for, diagnose, and measure the severity of anemia (low RBCs, hemoglobin and hematocrit) or polycythemia (high RBCs, hemoglobin and hematocrit) Monitor the response to treatment of anemia or polycythemia Help make decisions about blood transfusions or other treatments if the anemia is severe Some conditions affect RBC production in the bone marrow and may cause an increase or decrease in the number of mature RBCs released into the blood circulation. Other conditions may affect the lifespan of RBCs in the circulation. If there is increased destruction of RBCs (hemolysis) or loss of RBCs through bleeding and/or the bone marrow is not able to produce new ones fast enough, then the overall number of RBCs and hemoglobin will drop, resulting in anemia. This test can indicate if there is a problem with red blood cell production and/or lifespan, but it cannot determine the underlying cause. In addition to the full CBC, some other tests that may be performed at the same time or as follow up to establish a cause include a blood smear, reticulocyte count, iron studies, vitamin B12 and folate levels, and in more severe conditions, a bone marrow examination.
When Is It Ordered
The hemoglobin test may be ordered during a general health examination or when a person has signs and symptoms of a condition affecting red blood cells such as anemia or polycythemia. Some signs and symptoms of anemia include: Weakness or fatigue Lack of energy Fainting Paleness (pallor) Shortness of breath Some signs and symptoms of polycythemia include: Disturbed vision Dizziness Headache Flushing Enlarged spleen This test may be performed several times or on a regular basis when someone has been diagnosed with ongoing bleeding problems or chronic anemias or polycythemia to determine the effectiveness of treatment. It may also be ordered routinely for people undergoing treatment for cancer that is known to affect the bone marrow.
What Does The Test Result Mean?
Since a hemoglobin level is often performed as part of a complete blood count (CBC), results from other components are taken into consideration. A rise or drop in the hemoglobin level must be interpreted in conjunction with other parameters, such as RBC count, hematocrit, reticulocyte count, and/or red blood cell indices. Age, sex, and race are other factors to be considered. In general, hemoglobin mirrors the results of the RBC count and hematocrit. Low hemoglobin with low RBC count and low hematocrit indicates anemia. Some causes include: Excessive loss of blood from, for example, severe trauma or chronic bleeding from sites such as the digestive tract (e.g., ulcers, polyps, colon cancer), the bladder or uterus (in women, heavy menstrual bleeding, for example) Nutritional deficiencies such as iron, folate or B12 deficiency Damage to the bone marrow from, for example, a toxin, radiation or chemotherapy, infection or drugs Bone marrow disorders such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or other cancers that spread to the marrow Kidney failure—severe and chronic kidney diseases lead to decreased production of erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates RBC production by the bone marrow. Chronic inflammatory diseases or conditions Decreased hemoglobin production (e.g., thalassemia) Excessive destruction of red blood cells, for example, hemolytic anemia caused by autoimmunity or defects in the red blood cell itself; the defects could be hemoglobinopathy (e.g., sickle cell anemia), abnormalities in the RBC membrane (e.g., hereditary spherocytosis) or RBC enzyme (e.g., G6PD deficiency). High hemoglobin with a high RBC count and high hematocrit indicates polycythemia. Some causes include: Lung (pulmonary) disease—if someone is unable to breathe in and absorb sufficient oxygen, the body tries to compensate by producing more red blood cells. Co
Is There Anything Else I Should Known?
A recent blood transfusion can affect a person's hemoglobin level. Hemoglobin decreases slightly during normal pregnancy. Can I test my hemoglobin at home? Yes, there are some home tests currently available that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Home testing offers many benefits, but it's also important to recognize the potential tradeoffs between quality and convenience and to take steps to protect yourself against the possibility of false results, and your own lack of training. Talk to your doctor about this type of testing and consult her about any questions or concerns you may have. For more about these tests, see the article With Home Testing, Consumers Take Charge of Their Health. Is anyone at greater risk of abnormal hemoglobin levels? Women of childbearing age tend to have lower hemoglobin levels than men due to loss of iron and blood during menstrual periods and increased need for iron during pregnancy. Others who are at greater risk of a low hemoglobin level (anemia) include people with poor nutrition and diets low in iron or vitamins, people who have undergone surgery or have been severely injured, people with chronic conditions such as kidney disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic infection or chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). Someone who has family members with a genetic cause of anemia, such as sickle cell or thalassemia, also has a higher risk of having the condition and a higher risk of anemia. Are there warning signs for abnormally low hemoglobin levels? Some warning signs are fatigue, fainting, pale skin (pallor), and shortness of breath. Can a healthy diet and nutrition help keep optimal hemoglobin levels? Yes, to the extent that if you eat a well-balanced diet, you can prevent anemia due to a lack of iron, vitamin B12, or folate in the foods you eat. Sometimes use of a supplement is recommended if you are at risk of a vitamin deficiency. However, the most c

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