Hemoglobin Analysis
Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and returns carbon dioxide from the body to the lungs to be exhaled. Hemoglobin analysis provides essential information about oxygen-carrying capacity and overall blood health.
Hemoglobin Reference Range:
Normal Range: 12.0 to 16.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for adult males and 11.5 to 15.5 g/dL for adult females.
Having the right amount of hemoglobin is crucial for your health. When hemoglobin levels are too low, you might feel tired or weak. This can happen for several reasons, including not getting enough iron, vitamin B12, or folate in your diet, losing too much blood, having certain diseases, or problems with your bone marrow. On the other side, if your hemoglobin levels are too high, it might be because your body is trying to make up for a lack of oxygen from being in high altitudes, smoking, being dehydrated, or having a condition known as polycythemia vera. Treating these issues depends on the cause. It's important to regularly check your hemoglobin levels to make sure your body is getting the oxygen it needs and to spot any health problems early.