Types

• 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 defi...

Description

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

When to get Tested

• 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

Elevated Level

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

Decreased Level

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