Hemoglobin (Hb) Test

The purpose of this test is the same as the name suggests. It is used to measure the Hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is the key protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of the body. It also carries carbon dioxide from your organs back to the lungs. Hemoglobin is also the main component of red blood cells as it gives them its red colour.

If your Hemoglobin levels are low or high, then you might have a blood disorder. If the Hemoglobin test results are lower than normal, you might have a lower count of Hemoglobin in your red blood cells than normal. This might be a condition of Anaemia. There can be different kinds of Anaemia with various symptoms like bleeding, vitamin deficiencies or chronic diseases.

If the Hemoglobin test results are higher than usual, you might have a blood disorder named polycythemia vera. Higher Hemoglobin levels can also occur due to smoking, dehydration or living at a high altitude.

Hemoglobin Test Report is prescribed for several reasons:

• To keep a check on your overall health

Your doctor can ask you to check your Hemoglobin levels as a part of a routine medical examination. It can help them monitor your general health and screen any disorders that may be present.

• To diagnose any medical condition

Your doctor might suggest a Hemoglobin test procedure if you complain of weakness, fatigue, dizziness or shortness of breath. These initial symptoms often lead to Anaemia or polycythemia vera. A usual Hemoglobin test can help the doctor to diagnose these or other medical conditions.

• To monitor an existing medical condition

If you have already been diagnosed with Anaemia or polycythemia vera, then your doctor might ask you to take out Hemoglobin test reports regularly. This will help them keep a check on your existing medical condition.

Hemoglobin deficiencies are widespread in major parts of India. Anaemia and Thalassemia syndrome are easily found in Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and more. The usual condition of Anaemia occurs because of poor nutrition in rural areas of these states.

Anaemia, Thalassemia

The Hemoglobin Test measures the red blood cells and the amount of Hemoglobin protein in them.

• Poor nutrition and a diet that is low in minerals and vitamins, especially iron
• Certain types of Cancer
• Significant long-term infection
• Significant bleeding from trauma or surgery
• Cognitive impairment
• Diseases affecting the kidney, liver, lungs or cardiovascular system

Following a diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe you a treatment that will best suit your condition. After that, you might have to get a Hemoglobin test done regularly. The result of the Hemoglobin test will help your doctor modify the ongoing doses or continue the treatment.

 The Hemoglobin test is applicable for everyone, i.e., men and women, adults and children.

A Hemoglobin Test is necessary if the person is experiencing the following:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Irregular Heartbeat
• Shortness of Breath
• Skin that is paler and yellower than usual

Apart from that, having high Hemoglobin levels is also a problem. This condition is less common, but the symptoms will include:

• Headache
• Slurred Speech
• Disturbed Vision
• Dizziness
• Redness on the face

Your doctor will also ask you to take the Hemoglobin Test if you have been suspected or diagnosed with the following:

A random Hemoglobin test helps with the diagnosis of Anaemia, thalassemia, lung diseases or other conditions. The doctor usually recommends taking the Hemoglobin blood test once a year with the complete body check-up.

However, if the result of a low Hemoglobin confirms the diagnosis of anaemia, then you must start taking appropriate medication. After that, the doctor will generally ask you to take the test monthly or every three months depending on your condition.

What to Expect During the Test

Before the Test

Usually one doesn't need special preparation for a Hemoglobin test. However, if you are undergoing this test alongside another one, your healthcare provider may advise you to fast or avoid certain foods. Do consult a doctor before the test for personalised guidance.

During the Test

When undergoing the Hemoglobin test, a blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm. Here's what you can expect during the test:

• The area where the needle will be inserted will first be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
• A tourniquet band will be tied to your arm to make your veins pop out.
• A needle will be inserted into the vein to draw the blood. This process may cause a brief pinch lasting a few seconds.
• The blood will be collected in a vial or small test tube, which will be labeled with your details.

After the Test

Following the blood collection:

• A bandage will be placed over the insertion site to halt bleeding.
• There may be minor bruising, although feeling dizzy is uncommon. You may be advised to rest for a few minutes.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you notice bleeding, pain, or rashes at the puncture site.

The Hemoglobin test measures the volume of the Hemoglobin protein found in your red blood cells. The Hemoglobin test results are measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL) of blood or grams per litre (g/L) of blood.

This is the only parameter that is covered under this test. The results of the test will give an idea about the Hemoglobin levels in the blood and if the improper levels are affecting the other functions of the body.

The Hemoglobin Test cannot measure white blood cells and platelets. It is only measured when you ask for a complete blood count test.

The normal range for the Hemoglobin test is:

• For men- 14 to 18 grams per deciliter
• For women- 12 to 16 grams per deciliter

The normal range for newborns and infants is:

• Newborn till 2 months- 12 to 24 grams per deciliter
• Infant (2 months- 1 year)- 9.5 to 13 grams per deciliter

 The normal Hemoglobin range varies in children with age and sex.

Apart from that, these provide an example of a potential Hemoglobin test range. Any person’s Hemoglobin levels are considered abnormal based on the specific range used by a particular laboratory that performed the test.

Hence, it is always important to discuss your Hemoglobin test report with your doctor.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

If the Hemoglobin Test results are lower than normal, then you have Anaemia. Anaemia is of a lot of different kinds. Each can have a cause of its own, including:

• Thalassemia is a genetic disorder it occurs because of low levels of red blood cells and Hemoglobin
• Kidney Disease
• Iron Deficiency
• Liver Disease
• Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
• Bleeding
• Folate Deficiency
• Cancers that affect the bone marrow like Leukemia
• Hypothyroidism

If you are already diagnosed with Anaemia and your Hemoglobin test results are still low, you might need to alter your medicines and treatment plan.

If the reports show higher levels than the Hemoglobin Test means that you might have one of the following:

• Lung Disease
• Polycythemia vera, which is a blood disorder where the bone marrow starts making too many red blood cells
• Dehydration

High Hemoglobin levels are also a result of excessive smoking, extreme physical exercise and living at a higher altitude.

Based on your Hemoglobin blood test results, your doctor might want you to take other tests to diagnose the exact problem. For specifics about what your Hemoglobin Test means, consult your doctor.

The pricing for a Hemoglobin test can vary based on the city and the laboratory. Typically, the cost of a Hemoglobin test ranges from INR 109 to INR 275. Here is a detailed breakdown of the average charges for a Hemoglobin test in various major cities across India: