Haemoglobin is a blood test that measures haemoglobin levels in the blood. Normal range: Men: about 130-180 g/L · Women: about 120-160 g/L (Australian reference range). Haemoglobin is the headline number for diagnosing anaemia (low) and polycythaemia (high) and is read together with the red cell indices.. It is commonly used to essential for assessing anemia, blood disorders, and oxygen-carrying capacity..
What is Haemoglobin?
The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
Why is it measured?
Essential for assessing anemia, blood disorders, and oxygen-carrying capacity.
Normal Reference Range
Men: about 130-180 g/L · Women: about 120-160 g/L (Australian reference range). Haemoglobin is the headline number for diagnosing anaemia (low) and polycythaemia (high) and is read together with the red cell indices.
Note: Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
What Causes High HAEMOGLOBIN?
A high haemoglobin (polycythaemia) thickens the blood. The commonest cause is dehydration, giving a temporary rise. Sustained elevation reflects either the body making more red cells in response to low oxygen (smoking, chronic lung disease, sleep apnoea, altitude) or testosterone/EPO use, or the bone marrow disorder polycythaemia vera. High haemoglobin increases the risk of clots.
What Causes Low HAEMOGLOBIN?
A low haemoglobin is anaemia, which causes fatigue, pallor, breathlessness and reduced exercise tolerance. Iron deficiency is the most common cause worldwide and in Australia, especially in menstruating women, pregnancy, and with poor intake or gut blood loss. Other causes include vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, the anaemia of chronic disease, kidney disease (reduced erythropoietin), blood loss, haemolysis and inherited disorders such as thalassaemia.
How Often Should HAEMOGLOBIN Be Tested?
Haemoglobin is part of every full blood count, measured at routine health checks and whenever anaemia is suspected. When low, iron studies, B12 and folate find the cause; it is monitored during treatment of anaemia, in chronic kidney disease, and in men on testosterone therapy.
Related Blood Markers
Haemoglobin is interpreted with haematocrit and red blood cell count, and especially with MCV and RDW, which classify the type of anaemia. Ferritin and iron studies, B12 and folate identify nutritional causes.
Key Facts
- •Category: Blood Health
- •Unit of Measurement: g/L
- •Test Code: HAEMOGLOBIN
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