HAEMOGLOBIN

Male:

• 14.5 g/dl (13.5-18g/dl)

Female:

• 12.5 g/dl (11.5-16g/dl)

Newborns:

• 18-22 g/dl
• At 3 months: 14-16 g/dl
• 3 months-1 year: 13-15 g/dl

• Haemoglobin (Hb) is a conjugated protein present in the red blood cells. It forms more than 90% of the dry weight of these cells. Erythrocytes look red due to the presence of Haemoglobin, which is a red pigment. The primary function of Haemoglobin is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Therefore, in conditions of Haemoglobin deficiency, the tissues suffer from Hypoxia. It also helps transport a small portion of carbon dioxide, from tissues and organs to lungs where it is exhaled.
• RBCs make up about 40% of the blood’s volume. It is produced in the bone marrow and released into the blood stream when they are mature. Several diseases and conditions can affect RBCs and consequently the level of Haemoglobin in the blood. In general, Hb level and haematocrit rise when the number of RBCs increases, and falls when there is a decrease in RBCs.
• If there is increased destruction of RBCS (haemolysis) or loss of RBCs through bleeding and/or the bone marrow is not able to produce new ones fast enough , then the overall number of RBCs and Haemoglobin will drop resulting in Anemia. If too much RBCs are produced, polycythemia results.
• Children have lower values than adults. Women have lower values than men because the total RBC count is less, estrogen inhibits erythropoiesis in females, there is cyclical loss of blood in women of reproductive age and testosterone stimulates erythropoesis in males.
• Hb test is used to check for anemia, usually along with haematocrit or as a part of complete Blood count to diagnose anemia, polycythemia, leukemias and in chronic diseases such as tuberculosis, chronic infections, malignancies, renal failure etc. and before all surgical operations.

• When there is s/s of Anemia (weakness or fatigue, lack of energy, fainting, pallor, fast or irregular heartbeat, cold hands or feet)
• When there is s/s of Polycythemia (disturbed vision, Dizziness, headache, flushing, enlarged spleen)
• It is also done to determine eligibility for blood transfusions

Physiological

• High altitude (due to hypoxia)
• Newborns & infants

Pathological

• Conditions that produce haemoconcentration (due to loss of body fluid) e.g. severe diarrhoea, vomiting
• Condition that produce hypoxia e.g. congenital heart disease, emphysema
• Polycythemia vera
• Kidney tumours
• Heavy smoking

Physiological

• Pregnancy (due to haemodilution)

Pathological

• Different types of Anemia
• Sickle cell Anemia
• Excess ADH secretion as seen in pituitary tumours
• Chronic bleeding (Ulcers, polyps, menstrual bleeding)
• Iron, Folate, B12 deficiency
• Aplastic anemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Leukemia
• Chronic kidney disease
• Thalassemia