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Haemoglobin
Haemoglobin test to check overall health, to diagnose a medical condition, to monitor a medical condition.
Synonym Hb
Test Code
Test Type Blood
Pre-Test Condition Nothing special
Report Availability Daily
# Test(s) 1
Test details Sample Report
Haemoglobin Sample Report Cowin-PathLab
SynonymHb
Test Code
Test CategoryBlood
Pre-Test ConditionNothing special
Medical HistoryShare if any
Report AvailabilityDaily
Specimen/SampleBlood
Stability @21-26 deg. C6 Hrs
Stability @ 2-8 deg. CNA
Stability @ FrozenNA
# Test(s)1
Processing MethodManual and Automated
How you prepare
If your blood sample is being tested only for hemoglobin, you can eat and drink normally before the test. If your blood sample will be used for other tests, you may need to fast for a certain amount of time before the sample is taken. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.

What you can expect
For a hemoglobin test, a member of your health care team takes a sample of blood by pricking your fingertip or inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. For infants, the sample may be obtained by pricking the heel.

The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. You can return to your usual activities immediately after the sample is taken.

Results
The normal range for hemoglobin is:

For men, 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter
For women, 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter
Normal ranges for children vary with age and sex. The range for a normal hemoglobin level may differ from one medical practice to another.

Lower than normal results
If your hemoglobin level is lower than normal, you have anemia. There are many forms of anemia, each with different causes, which can include:

  • Iron deficiency
  • Vitamin B-12 deficiency
  • Folate deficiency
  • Bleeding
  • Cancers that affect the bone marrow, such as leukemia
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Hypothyroidism
Thalassemia — a genetic disorder that causes low levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells
If you've been previously diagnosed with anemia, a hemoglobin level that's lower than normal may indicate a need to alter your treatment plan.

Higher than normal results
If your hemoglobin level is higher than normal, it may be the result of:

  • Polycythemia vera — a blood disorder in which your bone marrow makes too many red blood cells
  • Lung disease
  • Dehydration
  • Living at a high altitude
  • Heavy smoking
  • Burns
  • Excessive vomiting
  • Extreme physical exercise

Popular Health Check Packages

General Health 650

  • Pre-Test Condition No special
  • Report Availability Same Day
  • Test Parameter(s) >35