Hemoglobin test

We offer comprehensive blood tests at Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, including hemoglobin tests. The results help you and your provider get a clearer picture of your health and understand what’s going on inside your body.

What is a hemoglobin test?

A hemoglobin test measures the amount of a protein called hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin sits inside your red blood cells. It takes oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and helps red blood cells keep their shape.

In most cases, your provider orders a hemoglobin test as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test. A CBC analyzes the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your blood.

Hemoglobin test uses and benefits

A hemoglobin test shows problems with red blood cells or oxygen movement through your body. These issues can develop with several health conditions and reflect your overall health.

Common reasons for this blood test include:

• Extreme tiredness
• General feelings of poor health
• Signs of bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss

The test also helps check your health if you have certain conditions and see how well treatment works. You may need a hemoglobin test to monitor:

• Anemia
• Chronic kidney disease and other long-term conditions
• Cancer
• Health before and after major surgery
• Pregnancy

Hemoglobin test results

Your provider will help you understand the meaning of your hemoglobin blood test results. Test results can vary slightly depending on the laboratory.

In general, a normal value ranges from:

• Male: 13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for males
• Female: 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for females
• Newborn: 14 to 24 g/dL
• Infant: 9.5 to 13 g/dl

Low hemoglobin level

A hemoglobin test result below the normal range may suggest:

• Anemia, including hemolytic anemia and other types
• Bleeding in the digestive tract or bladder
• Bone marrow problems
• Chronic kidney disease or other long-term conditions
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Low level of iron or certain vitamins (B6, B9 or B12)
• Poor nutrition

High hemoglobin level

A hemoglobin test result above the normal range usually occurs when you have low oxygen levels for a long time. It may suggest:

• Dehydration
• Heart abnormality present at birth (congenital heart defect)
• Lung disorders, including scarring or thickening of lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis)
• Polycythemia vera, a rare bone marrow disease that increases blood cells
• Right-sided heart failure
• Severe chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD)

What to expect after hemoglobin testing

You should receive your hemoglobin test results within a couple days. Your provider will discuss your results with you.

They may recommend treatment if your hemoglobin level is outside the normal range. They may also order additional diagnostic tests to learn more.

Hemoglobin test side effects

Drawing your blood for a hemoglobin test can cause minor side effects, such as temporary pain or lightheadedness. You may have a bruise for a couple days in the area where your blood was drawn.