Hemoglobin

What is Hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein inside red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to every tissue in the body and returning carbon dioxide for exhalation. Each hemoglobin molecule binds four oxygen molecules. Hemoglobin concentration determines the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.

What might a high or low Hemoglobin mean?

Low hemoglobin (anemia) causes fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function. It is one of the most common lab abnormalities worldwide, affecting roughly 1.6 billion people. High hemoglobin can increase blood viscosity and clotting risk. Hemoglobin contributes to biological age (PhenoAge) calculation.

What is the typical reference range for Hemoglobin?

The general-population reference range shown here is 130 – 175 g/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect Hemoglobin?

It may be higher with: Dehydration (concentration effect), Smoking (carboxyhemoglobin compensation), Living at high altitude, Testosterone and anabolic steroids, EPO (erythropoietin), Polycythemia vera, Chronic lung disease (hypoxia compensation), Iron supplementation (if deficient). It may be lower with: Iron deficiency (most common cause worldwide), Vitamin B12 deficiency, Folate deficiency, Chronic blood loss (menstruation, GI bleeding), Chronic kidney disease (reduced EPO), Chronic inflammatory disease, Bone marrow disorders, Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies.