Fetal Hemoglobin
Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is the form of hemoglobin that carries oxygen most effectively before birth. It is gradually replaced by adult hemoglobin during the first months of life, so adults usually have very little HbF in their blood.
Why it matters: Higher-than-typical HbF in adults can be associated with certain inherited blood conditions where the switch from fetal to adult hemoglobin is incomplete. The percentage is one input in a broader hemoglobin pattern review.
May increase with:
May decrease with:
What is Fetal Hemoglobin?
Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is the form of hemoglobin that carries oxygen most effectively before birth. It is gradually replaced by adult hemoglobin during the first months of life, so adults usually have very little HbF in their blood.
What might a high or low Fetal Hemoglobin mean?
Higher-than-typical HbF in adults can be associated with certain inherited blood conditions where the switch from fetal to adult hemoglobin is incomplete. The percentage is one input in a broader hemoglobin pattern review.
What can affect Fetal Hemoglobin?
It may be higher with: Sickle cell disease, Beta-thalassemia. It may be lower with: Aging, Iron deficiency.
Track your Fetal Hemoglobin over time
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