BLOOD STUDIES Lab Tests

A hemoglobin test is a common blood test that measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and returning carbon dioxide back to the lungs. 🔬 Why It's Done: Doctors order this test to: Check for anemia (low hemoglobin) Monitor a known blood disorder (e.g. sickle cell, thalassemia) Assess general health as part of a complete blood count (CBC) Check for polycythemia (high hemoglobin) 📉 Normal Hemoglobin Ranges: These values can vary slightly between labs: Group Normal Range (g/dL) Men 13.8 – 17.2 Women 12.1 – 15.1 Children 11.0 – 16.0 Pregnant women 11.0 – 12.0 (lower) 🔻 Low Hemoglobin (Anemia) Causes: Iron deficiency Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency Chronic diseases (kidney, cancer) Blood loss (injury, menstruation) Bone marrow problems 🔺 High Hemoglobin Causes: Dehydration Lung or heart disease Living at high altitudes Smoking Polycythemia vera (a bone marrow disorder) 🧪 How the Test Is Done: A healthcare provider draws a blood sample from your arm. No fasting or special preparation is usually needed (unless part of a broader test panel).