Hemoglobin (Hgb)
- Sample Type
- Standard
- Fasting
- No
- Unit
- g/dL
Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein in red blood cells (RBCs) responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. As a core component of the Complete Blood Count (CBC), it is the primary indicator used to diagnose anemia (low Hgb) or polycythemia (high Hgb). It reflects the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and is essential for monitoring chronic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and acute blood loss.
Check Your Result
Check Your Result
Enter your lab result to see where you stand compared to the standard reference range.
Why Context Matters
Hgb levels can be artificially inflated by dehydration (hemoconcentration) or masked by fluid overload (hemodilution). Furthermore, abnormal hemoglobin variants (hemoglobinopathies) can sometimes interfere with standard automated assays, requiring a second look at clinical symptoms vs. lab numbers.
Lab ranges are statistical averages, not biological laws. "Normal" for a 20-year-old male isn't normal for a 60-year-old female.
Clinical References
Source-of-truth databases and clinical guidelines for Hemoglobin (Hgb):
Official Sources
- Hemoglobin test - Mayo ClinicMayo Clinic
- Hemoglobin Test: MedlinePlus Medical TestMedlinePlus
- Low hemoglobin count - Mayo ClinicMayo Clinic
Research & Guidelines
- PubMed: Hemoglobin (Hgb) Clinical GuidelinesNCBI / PubMed
Related Indicators
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Binoy Babu, MBBS
Board Certified Doctor • 10+ Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Babu is a practicing physician dedicated to empowering patients with clear, actionable medical information. He founded 2opi to bridge the gap between complex lab reports and patient understanding, ensuring everyone has access to a reliable second opinion.
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