What is a hemoglobin test. How is hemoglobin measured. Why are hemoglobin levels important for health. What causes low or high hemoglobin. How to interpret hemoglobin test results.

What is Hemoglobin and Why is it Important?

Hemoglobin is a crucial protein found in red blood cells that plays a vital role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. It consists of four protein subunits, each containing an iron-rich compound called heme that can bind to oxygen molecules. This unique structure allows hemoglobin to efficiently carry oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and organs, while also helping to transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

The importance of hemoglobin in maintaining overall health cannot be overstated. Adequate hemoglobin levels ensure that cells receive sufficient oxygen to function properly, supporting essential processes such as energy production, tissue repair, and organ function. Additionally, hemoglobin helps regulate blood pH and contributes to the body’s immune response.

Key Functions of Hemoglobin:

• Oxygen transport from lungs to tissues
• Carbon dioxide removal from tissues to lungs
• Regulation of blood pH
• Support of immune system function

Understanding the Hemoglobin Test

A hemoglobin test is a common blood test that measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. This test is often part of a complete blood count (CBC) and can provide valuable insights into your overall health. Healthcare providers may order a hemoglobin test for various reasons, including routine check-ups, diagnosing specific conditions, or monitoring existing health issues.

How is a hemoglobin test performed? The process is relatively simple and involves drawing a small blood sample, typically from a vein in your arm. A healthcare professional will clean the area, insert a needle to collect the blood, and then send the sample to a laboratory for analysis. In some cases, a finger prick or heel stick (for infants) may be used to obtain the blood sample.

Reasons for Ordering a Hemoglobin Test:

1. Routine health screenings
2. Evaluating symptoms of anemia or other blood disorders
3. Monitoring chronic conditions affecting red blood cells
4. Assessing the effectiveness of treatments for blood-related issues

Normal Hemoglobin Levels and Interpreting Results

Hemoglobin levels can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and overall health. Generally, normal hemoglobin ranges are as follows:

• Adult men: 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
• Adult women: 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL
• Children: Varies by age and sex

How do you interpret hemoglobin test results? If your hemoglobin levels fall within the normal range, it typically indicates that your body has an adequate supply of red blood cells to meet its oxygen needs. However, results outside the normal range may suggest underlying health issues that require further investigation.

It’s important to note that slight variations in hemoglobin levels can occur due to factors such as dehydration, recent blood loss, or even the time of day the test was performed. Your healthcare provider will consider these factors when interpreting your results and may recommend additional tests if necessary.

Low Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Implications

Low hemoglobin levels, also known as anemia, can have various causes and implications for your health. Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues. This condition can lead to fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life.

What are the common causes of low hemoglobin levels? Some of the most frequent reasons include:

• Iron deficiency: The most common cause of anemia worldwide
• Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency: Essential nutrients for red blood cell production
• Chronic diseases: Such as kidney disease, cancer, or autoimmune disorders
• Blood loss: Due to injury, surgery, or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Inherited disorders: Like thalassemia or sickle cell disease
• Bone marrow problems: Affecting the production of red blood cells

How does low hemoglobin affect your body? When hemoglobin levels are insufficient, your organs and tissues may not receive enough oxygen to function optimally. This can lead to a range of symptoms and complications, including:

1. Fatigue and weakness
2. Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
3. Dizziness or lightheadedness
4. Pale or yellowish skin
5. Irregular heartbeats
6. Cold hands and feet
7. Chest pain

If you’re diagnosed with low hemoglobin levels, your healthcare provider will work to identify the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. This may involve dietary changes, supplements, medications, or in some cases, more advanced interventions such as blood transfusions or bone marrow treatments.

High Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Health Implications

While low hemoglobin levels are more commonly discussed, high hemoglobin levels can also indicate underlying health issues. Elevated hemoglobin, also known as polycythemia, occurs when your body produces too many red blood cells or when the blood becomes concentrated due to loss of fluid.

What can cause high hemoglobin levels? Several factors can contribute to elevated hemoglobin, including:

• Polycythemia vera: A rare blood disorder causing overproduction of red blood cells
• Lung diseases: Such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary fibrosis
• Heart diseases: Particularly those affecting the right side of the heart
• Dehydration: Resulting in increased concentration of blood components
• Living at high altitudes: Where the body compensates for lower oxygen levels
• Smoking: Which can increase red blood cell production
• Use of performance-enhancing drugs: Like erythropoietin or anabolic steroids

How do high hemoglobin levels impact your health? Elevated hemoglobin can lead to various complications, including:

1. Increased blood viscosity, making circulation more difficult
2. Higher risk of blood clots, potentially leading to stroke or heart attack
3. Headaches and dizziness
4. Itchy skin, particularly after warm baths or showers
5. Vision problems
6. Redness in the face, hands, or feet

Treatment for high hemoglobin levels depends on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle changes, medications to reduce red blood cell production, or therapeutic phlebotomy (controlled blood removal) to lower blood volume and hemoglobin concentration.

Factors Affecting Hemoglobin Levels

Hemoglobin levels can be influenced by various factors beyond medical conditions. Understanding these factors can help you better interpret your test results and maintain optimal hemoglobin levels. What are some common factors that can affect hemoglobin levels?

• Age and sex: Hemoglobin levels naturally vary between men and women and change with age
• Pregnancy: Women often experience a decrease in hemoglobin during pregnancy
• Diet: Insufficient intake of iron, vitamin B12, or folate can impact hemoglobin production
• Exercise: Regular intense physical activity can temporarily increase hemoglobin levels
• Altitude: Living at high altitudes can lead to increased hemoglobin production
• Hydration status: Dehydration can concentrate blood, leading to falsely elevated hemoglobin readings
• Medications: Certain drugs can affect hemoglobin levels or interfere with test results
• Smoking: Tobacco use can increase hemoglobin levels

How can you maintain healthy hemoglobin levels? While some factors are beyond your control, you can take steps to support optimal hemoglobin production:

1. Eat a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate
2. Stay hydrated
3. Exercise regularly, but avoid overtraining
4. Quit smoking
5. Manage underlying health conditions
6. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for supplements or medications

The Role of Hemoglobin in Diagnosing and Monitoring Health Conditions

Hemoglobin tests play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions. By providing insights into red blood cell function and oxygen-carrying capacity, these tests help healthcare providers assess overall health and detect potential issues early on.

How do hemoglobin tests contribute to diagnosing health conditions? Some key ways include:

• Identifying anemia and its underlying causes
• Detecting blood disorders such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease
• Evaluating the impact of chronic diseases on red blood cell production
• Assessing the body’s response to blood loss or internal bleeding
• Monitoring the progression of conditions affecting bone marrow function

What role do hemoglobin tests play in ongoing health monitoring? For individuals with diagnosed conditions, regular hemoglobin tests can help:

1. Track the effectiveness of treatments for anemia or polycythemia
2. Monitor the progression of chronic diseases affecting red blood cells
3. Assess the impact of medications on blood cell production
4. Guide adjustments to treatment plans for optimal health outcomes
5. Evaluate the need for interventions such as blood transfusions or phlebotomy

By providing valuable information about red blood cell function and oxygen transport, hemoglobin tests serve as an essential tool in maintaining overall health and managing various medical conditions. Regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels, along with other relevant blood tests, can help ensure that your body’s oxygen needs are met and that any potential issues are addressed promptly.

Advanced Hemoglobin Testing and Future Developments

While standard hemoglobin tests provide valuable information, advancements in medical technology have led to the development of more sophisticated hemoglobin-related tests. These advanced tests offer additional insights into blood disorders and can help healthcare providers make more accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.

What are some advanced hemoglobin tests currently available? Some noteworthy examples include:

• Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): Measures average blood sugar levels over 2-3 months, crucial for diabetes management
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis: Identifies different types of hemoglobin, useful for diagnosing inherited blood disorders
• Glycated hemoglobin test: Assesses the percentage of hemoglobin molecules bound to glucose
• Hemoglobin S test: Specifically detects the presence of hemoglobin S, associated with sickle cell disease
• Free hemoglobin test: Measures the amount of hemoglobin outside of red blood cells, indicating cell breakdown

How might hemoglobin testing evolve in the future? Ongoing research and technological advancements may lead to:

1. More precise and rapid testing methods
2. Integration of artificial intelligence for improved result interpretation
3. Development of non-invasive hemoglobin measurement techniques
4. Expanded use of genetic testing to identify hemoglobin-related disorders
5. Personalized medicine approaches based on individual hemoglobin profiles

These advancements in hemoglobin testing have the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and management of blood disorders, providing healthcare providers with more accurate and comprehensive information to guide treatment decisions. As research continues, we can expect even more sophisticated tools to emerge, further enhancing our understanding of hemoglobin’s role in health and disease.

Hemoglobin test – Mayo Clinic

Overview

A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen to your body’s organs and tissues and transports carbon dioxide from your organs and tissues back to your lungs.

If a hemoglobin test reveals that your hemoglobin level is lower than normal, it means you have a low red blood cell count (anemia). Anemia can have many different causes, including vitamin deficiencies, bleeding and chronic diseases.

If a hemoglobin test shows a higher than normal level, there are several potential causes — the blood disorder polycythemia vera, living at a high altitude, smoking and dehydration.

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Why it’s done

You may have a hemoglobin test for several reasons:

• To check your overall health. Your doctor may test your hemoglobin as part of a complete blood count during a routine medical examination to monitor your general health and to screen for a variety of disorders, such as anemia.
• To diagnose a medical condition. Your doctor may suggest a hemoglobin test if you’re experiencing weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness. These signs and symptoms may point to anemia or polycythemia vera. A hemoglobin test may help diagnose these or other medical conditions.
• To monitor a medical condition. If you’ve been diagnosed with anemia or polycythemia vera, your doctor may use a hemoglobin test to monitor your condition and guide treatment.

How you prepare

If your blood sample is being tested only for hemoglobin, you can eat and drink normally before the test. If your blood sample will be used for other tests, you may need to fast for a certain amount of time before the sample is taken. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.

What you can expect

For a hemoglobin test, a member of your health care team takes a sample of blood by pricking your fingertip or inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. For infants, the sample may be obtained by pricking the heel.

The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. You can return to your usual activities immediately after the sample is taken.

Results

The normal range for hemoglobin is:

• For men, 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter
• For women, 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter

Normal ranges for children vary with age and sex. The range for a normal hemoglobin level may differ from one medical practice to another.

Lower than normal results

If your hemoglobin level is lower than normal, you have anemia. There are many forms of anemia, each with different causes, which can include:

• Iron deficiency
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency
• Folate deficiency
• Bleeding
• Cancers that affect the bone marrow, such as leukemia
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Thalassemia — a genetic disorder that causes low levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells

If you’ve been previously diagnosed with anemia, a hemoglobin level that’s lower than normal may indicate a need to alter your treatment plan.

Higher than normal results

If your hemoglobin level is higher than normal, it may be the result of:

• Polycythemia vera — a blood disorder in which your bone marrow makes too many red blood cells
• Lung disease
• Dehydration
• Living at a high altitude
• Heavy smoking
• Burns
• Excessive vomiting
• Extreme physical exercise

If you’ve been previously diagnosed with polycythemia vera, an elevated hemoglobin level may indicate a need to alter your treatment plan.

If your hemoglobin level is below or above normal, your doctor may want to evaluate the hemoglobin test results along with those of other tests, or additional tests may be necessary, to determine next steps.

For specifics about what your hemoglobin test results mean, talk to your doctor.

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Hemoglobin Test

Overview

Why is Hemoglobin A1c important.

What is the hemoglobin test?

A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein that is the main component of red blood cells (erythrocytes). Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. Hemoglobin contains iron, which allows it to bind to oxygen. Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to other tissues and organs. They also carry carbon dioxide to the lungs so it can be removed from the body.

Lower than normal hemoglobin levels, otherwise known as anemia, can indicate that the organs of your body might not be getting an adequate supply of oxygen. This can lead to a lack of energy, fatigue, or other problems.

Low levels of hemoglobin may be a sign that the bone marrow is not producing enough red blood cells, or that cells are being destroyed faster than they are made. Chronic blood loss also leads to a drop in hemoglobin levels and is one of the most common causes of anemia.

Why is a hemoglobin test done?

A hemoglobin test may be performed along with a routine physical examination to assess the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. It is done as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test, which looks for the numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in a blood sample. A CBC is also done when there are symptoms of a low hemoglobin level, such as fatigue, weakness, or dizziness.

There are many disorders that result in low hemoglobin levels or anemia, including:

• Iron deficiency, which is almost always caused by blood loss
• Deficiency of other nutrients, such as vitamin B12 or folic acid
• Internal or external blood loss resulting from surgery, injury, menstrual bleeding, or bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract
• Cancer
• Thalassemia, a common inherited blood disorder caused by genetic mutations in the hemoglobin genes. It is usually mild but severe forms can cause symptoms in childhood.
• Kidney disease
• Autoimmune diseases

Symptoms indicating low red blood cell levels may include:

• Fatigue
• Pale skin (pallor)
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Cold hands and feet

The hemoglobin test may be used to screen for anemia and other blood disorders and monitor the progress during treatment. It can only establish whether anemia is present and its degree of severity. The test cannot detect what is causing the abnormal level of hemoglobin. Additional tests are required.

Some conditions result an increase in red blood cells in the body, causing an excess of hemoglobin in the blood. These disorders include:

Too many red blood cells can cause the blood to thicken and become sluggish. Thick blood does not flow as quickly, which can deprive the organs of oxygen.

Symptoms of excess levels of red blood cells may include

• Headaches
• Blurred or double vision
• Dizziness
• Itching
• Blood clots

Test Details

What preparation is needed before the hemoglobin test is performed?

A hemoglobin test does not require any special preparation. It usually takes only a few minutes. The test can be done in a doctor’s office, medical laboratory or other outpatient setting.

How is the hemoglobin test done?

A blood sample will be required. A small needle will be inserted into a vein, usually in your arm or hand. Blood may be drawn from another part of the body, if necessary. For children, a finger stick might be used to obtain blood. A heel stick may be done for newborns.

The medical professional will swab the skin near the area with alcohol before drawing blood. He or she will place an elastic band around your upper arm and ask you to make a fist to make blood flow easier. You may experience some mild pain or discomfort as the needle is inserted. Your blood will be collected in a small vial or vials and sent to the lab to be analyzed.

The area around the puncture may appear bruised or swollen for a few days.

The risks associated with the hemoglobin test are very small. In most cases, there are no significant aftereffects.

Results and Follow-Up

What do the test results indicate?

The normal range for hemoglobin levels is 12 to 17.4 grams per deciliter of blood for adults. However, levels may vary depending on a person’s age and race. Altitude can also affect the results.

What follow-up is required?

Your doctor will discuss the results of the hemoglobin test with you. The doctor may order more tests, depending on its outcome. Treatment will depend on the underlying condition. You should discuss treatment options with your doctor. You may have to have hemoglobin tests on a regular basis, if you are undergoing treatment for a blood disorder.

How Is Anemia Diagnosed? | Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY

Your doctor will diagnose anemia based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam, and results from tests and procedures.

Because anemia doesn’t always cause symptoms, your doctor may find out you have it while checking for another condition.

Medical and Family Histories

Your doctor may ask whether you have any of the common signs or symptoms of anemia. He or she also may ask whether you’ve had an illness or condition that could cause anemia.

Let your doctor know about any medicines you take, what you typically eat (your diet), and whether you have family members who have anemia or a history of it.

Physical Exam

Your doctor will do a physical exam to find out how severe your anemia is and to check for possible causes. He or she may:

• Listen to your heart for a rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Listen to your lungs for rapid or uneven breathing
• Feel your abdomen to check the size of your liver and spleen

Your doctor also may do a pelvic or rectal exam to check for common sources of blood loss.

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

You may have various blood tests and other tests or procedures to find out what type of anemia you have and how severe it is.

Complete Blood Count

Often, the first test used to diagnose anemia is a complete blood count (CBC). The CBC measures many parts of your blood.

The test checks your hemoglobin and hematocrit (hee-MAT-oh-crit) levels. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body. Hematocrit is a measure of how much space red blood cells take up in your blood. A low level of hemoglobin or hematocrit is a sign of anemia.

The normal range of these levels might be lower in certain racial and ethnic populations. Your doctor can explain your test results to you.

The CBC also checks the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. Abnormal results might be a sign of anemia, another blood disorder, an infection, or another condition.

Finally, the CBC looks at mean corpuscular (kor-PUS-kyu-lar) volume (MCV). MCV is a measure of the average size of your red blood cells and a clue as to the cause of your anemia. In iron-deficiency anemia, for example, red blood cells usually are smaller than normal.

Other Tests and Procedures

If the CBC results show that you have anemia, you may need other tests, such as:

• Hemoglobin electrophoresis (e-lek-tro-FOR-e-sis). This test looks at the different types of hemoglobin in your blood. The test can help diagnose the type of anemia you have.
• A reticulocyte (re-TIK-u-lo-site) count. This test measures the number of young red blood cells in your blood. The test shows whether your bone marrow is making red blood cells at the correct rate.
• Tests for the level of iron in your blood and body. These tests include serum iron and serum ferritin tests. Transferrin level and total iron-binding capacity tests also measure iron levels.

Because anemia has many causes, you also might be tested for conditions such as kidney failure, lead poisoning (in children), and vitamin deficiencies (lack of vitamins, such as B12 and folic acid).

If your doctor thinks that you have anemia due to internal bleeding, he or she may suggest several tests to look for the source of the bleeding. A test to check the stool for blood might be done in your doctor’s office or at home. Your doctor can give you a kit to help you get a sample at home. He or she will tell you to bring the sample back to the office or send it to a laboratory.

If blood is found in the stool, you may have other tests to find the source of the bleeding. One such test is endoscopy (en-DOS-ko-pe). For this test, a tube with a tiny camera is used to view the lining of the digestive tract.

Your doctor also may want to do bone marrow tests. These tests show whether your bone marrow is healthy and making enough blood cells.

Hemoglobin Electrophoresis | Michigan Medicine

Test Overview

A hemoglobin electrophoresis test is a blood test done to check the different types of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

The most common types of normal hemoglobin are:

• Hemoglobin A. This is the most common type of hemoglobin found normally in adults. Some diseases, such as severe forms of thalassemia, may cause hemoglobin A levels to be low and hemoglobin F levels to be high.
• Hemoglobin F (fetal hemoglobin). This type is normally found in fetuses and newborn babies. Hemoglobin F is replaced by hemoglobin A (adult hemoglobin) shortly after birth; only very small amounts of hemoglobin F are made after birth. Some diseases, such as sickle cell disease, aplastic anemia, and leukemia, have abnormal types of hemoglobin and higher amounts of hemoglobin F.
• Hemoglobin A2. This is a normal type of hemoglobin found in small amounts in adults.

There are more than 350 types of abnormal hemoglobin.^{footnote 1} The most common are:

• Hemoglobin S. This type of hemoglobin is present in sickle cell disease.
• Hemoglobin C. This type of hemoglobin does not carry oxygen well.
• Hemoglobin E. This type of hemoglobin is found in people of Southeast Asian descent.
• Hemoglobin D. This type of hemoglobin is present in some sickle cell disorders.

Hemoglobin S and hemoglobin C are the most common types of abnormal hemoglobin that may be found by an electrophoresis test.

Electrophoresis uses an electrical current to separate normal and abnormal types of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin types have different electrical charges and move at different speeds. The amount of each hemoglobin type in the current is measured.

An abnormal amount of normal hemoglobin or an abnormal type of hemoglobin in the blood may mean that a disease is present. Abnormal hemoglobin types may be present without any other symptoms, may cause mild diseases that do not have symptoms, or cause diseases that can be life-threatening. For example, hemoglobin S is found in sickle cell disease, which is a serious abnormality of the blood and causes serious problems.

Why It Is Done

Hemoglobin electrophoresis is done to:

• Find each type of hemoglobin in the blood. This can be used to diagnose certain types of anemia (such as thalassemia).
• Check treatment for diseases that have abnormal types of hemoglobin in the blood.
• Help couples find out how likely they are to have a child with certain forms of anemia that can be passed from a parent to a child (inherited).

How It Is Done

The health professional drawing blood will:

• Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein.
• Clean the needle site with alcohol.
• Put the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may be needed.
• Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood.
• Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected.
• Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed.
• Put pressure on the site and then put on a bandage.

How It Feels

The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. An elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm. It may feel tight. You may feel nothing at all from the needle, or you may feel a quick sting or pinch.

Risks

There is very little chance of a problem from having a blood sample taken from a vein.

• You may get a small bruise at the site. You can lower the chance of bruising by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes.
• In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood sample is taken. This problem is called phlebitis. A warm compress can be used several times a day to treat this.

Results

A hemoglobin electrophoresis test is a blood test done to check the different types of hemoglobin in the blood. Results are ready in several days.

Normal

The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

High and low values

• Higher-than-normal amounts of both hemoglobin A2 and hemoglobin F may mean a mild form of thalassemia is present. A very low level of hemoglobin A and a high level of hemoglobin F may mean a more severe form of thalassemia. High levels of hemoglobin F may be seen in a rare condition called hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin.
• Hemoglobin S in moderate amounts can mean that sickle cell trait is present. Hemoglobin S in high amounts means sickle cell disease.
• Hemoglobin C in low amounts can mean that hemoglobin C trait is present. Hemoglobin C in high amounts means hemoglobin C disease, which causes anemia and an enlarged spleen.
• Hemoglobin types S and C mean hemoglobin S-C disease, which causes a mild or moderate form of sickle cell disease.
• Hemoglobin E in low amounts means the presence of hemoglobin E trait. Hemoglobin E in high amounts means hemoglobin E disease, which causes anemia and smaller-than-normal red blood cells.
• Hemoglobin types other than S, C, D, and E are rare. But over 350 types of abnormal hemoglobin have been found.^{footnote 2}

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

• Having a blood transfusion in the past 3 months.
• Having iron deficiency anemia. This can cause falsely low results for hemoglobin A2.

What To Think About

If you are planning to have children and are found to have abnormal types of hemoglobin in your blood, you might consider genetic counseling. This can help you and your partner see how likely you are to have children with certain inherited forms of anemia (such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia).

References

Citations

1. Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
2. Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Other Works Consulted

• Chernecky CC, Berger BJ (2008). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 5th ed. St. Louis: Saunders.
• Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
• Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.

Credits

Current as of:
September 23, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine

Current as of: September 23, 2020

Author:
Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine

Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

What is a Hemoglobin (HGB) Test?

A hemoglobin test is used to determine the amount of hemoglobin present in the blood. Hemoglobin is a substance responsible for the red color of the blood. It is a type of protein present in the red blood cell that transports oxygen to essential parts of the body like lungs and tissues. The hemoglobin also helps carry carbon dioxide from various body parts back to the lungs.

When the hemoglobin level is down, it is likely a sign of an illness or disease. When the hemoglobin level is low, the body might be weak due to reduced energy for optimal functionality. 

A hemoglobin blood test might be required by your doctor if there are issues with your health. Most times, however, it is usually part of a routine checkup. 

Anemia is a condition in which someone has low levels of red blood cells. This is usually when an HGB test reveals that the levels of hemoglobin are lower than the ideal range. There are various causes of anemia, like poor nutrition, chronic disease, bleeding, vitamin deficiency, etc. 

On the contrary, one might have a hemoglobin level higher than the average level. Typical causes are smoking, excessive dehydration, and people living or frequently staying at a high altitude could be prone to this. 

Why do you need to get a Hemoglobin Test?

A complete blood count involves many essentials, and a hemoglobin blood test is one of the requirements. As a result, one might need to have an HGB test as part of the routine physicals, even if there are no glaring symptoms of hemoglobin issues. 

It is also part of the standard screening given to newborns.

There are, however, times when doctors might request a hemoglobin test for specific reasons. There are some symptoms consistent with hemoglobin issues in the body. Showing persistent signs of one or more of the following might require a hemoglobin test:

• Dizziness
• Excessive trauma
• Bruising
• Generalized weakness
• Presence of blood in the stool or urine
• Excessive vomiting
• Jaundice

Here are reasons one might need to have a hemoglobin test:

A diagnosis for Medical Issue: People experiencing any of the symptoms listed above will probably be advised to take a hemoglobin test. Some of the signs above might be a pointer to anemia. With the test, one can confirm if it is anemia or any other medical issue.

To Ascertain the Overall Health: One might be required to get a hemoglobin test during a general medical examination as one of the routine medical exams to check the overall health. The test also helps check for a series of issues like anemia.

To keep a tab on a medical condition: Someone diagnosed with any medical disease like polycythemia vera or anemia might require a periodic HGB test. This helps monitor the situation in a bid to allow the doctor to know the treatment approach.

Interpreting the Result 

If you have taken any blood tests before, the procedure is pretty similar. You do not need any elaborate preparation. In many cases, your finger will be pricked, and your blood sample collected. There are times your result might be ready instantly. At other times, it takes a maximum of two days for you to have your result.  

In interpreting the result, the doctor will typically consider your medical history, any physical examination, or other tests. 

Also, the interpretation of the HGB test result will be along with other blood test results. 

Healthy Ranges for Hemoglobin Test

Reference Range for a Hemoglobin test

Worthy of note is the fact that the healthy ranges for kids vary. Most time, it is a factor of age and sex. Also, the range might differ between different medical practices. One needs to understand that hemoglobin level less than 7 g/dl or greater than 21 g/dl are critical values

For kids and children, here are the ranges:

• Newborn:  14 to 24 g/dl
• 0 to 2 weeks:  12 to 20 g/dl
• 2 to 6 months:  10 to 17 g/dl
• 6 months to 1 year:  9. 5 to 14 g/dl
• 1 to 6 years:  9.5 to 14 g/dl
• 6 to 18 years:  10 to 15.5 g/dl

Low hemoglobin and Causes

When the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin or RBC production reduces, one will have low hemoglobin levels. This occurs when hemoglobin levels fall out of the lowest limits specified for the age range and sex, as indicated in the table above. 

For instance, a 30 years old man with an HGB test of 12.0 is said to have low hemoglobin. Some of the symptoms of low hemoglobin levels are

• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Cold hands and feet
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fatigue

Some of the causes of low hemoglobin are:

• Cancer
• Chemotherapy treatment
• Kidney disease
• Radiation treatment
• Other anemia causes
• Malaria
• Some medications
• Liver disease
• Iron deficiency

Health issues such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia might result in low HGB levels when the red blood cell count becomes critically low when having a crisis.  

Donation of blood also brings down the hemoglobin level. This, however, will normalize a couple of weeks later. 

High Hemoglobin level Causes

In contrast to having low hemoglobin levels, the body at times makes excessive red blood cells. Also, when the body’s fluid level is too low, it causes dehydration, which can raise the hemoglobin level.

However, excessive production of red blood cells might be the body’s endeavor to compensate for an abnormality like a heart issue or lung problem. It is still an indication of poor health.

A condition of high hemoglobin level is called polycythemia. Some symptoms of the issue are:

• Tiredness
• Bloated spleen
• Shortness of breath

Here are some of the causes of elevated hemoglobin levels: 

• Smoking
• Dehydration
• Liver disease
• Problem with the  lungs
• Residency at a high altitude 
• Hard and demanding exercise
• Congenital heart disability that disrupts the flow of oxygenated blood

The risk involved with a hemoglobin test 

HGB blood test comes with some non-life-threatening risks that one needs to be aware of. Different people have various sizes of arteries and veins. Also, the scope and nature of veins vary from one body part to the other. As a result, it might be quite challenging to obtain some people’s blood samples compared to others. 

Here are other slight risks that come with withdrawing of blood:

• Too much bleeding
• Lightheadedness
• Excessive punctures in searching for the vein
• Infection due to broken skin

Conclusion 

A hemoglobin test could be part of the standard medical procedures that medical practitioners will need to examine the health of a patient.  It is a test to determine the levels of red blood cells in the body – a significant indicator of how healthy an individual is.  Hemoglobin levels in humans can be high or low. They all depend on specific factors that have been discussed in the article. 

You can order a Hemoglobin A1C Blood Test online.

Reference 

Amber, H. (2020) What Is a Hemoglobin Test? Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/hemoglobin-level-test-1942658

Danielle Dresden (2020) What is an Hgb blood test? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hgb-blood-test

Mayo Clinic Staff (2019) Hemoglobin Test. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hemoglobin-test/about/pac-20385075

Serum free hemoglobin test

Definition

Serum free hemoglobin is a blood test that measures the level of free hemoglobin in the liquid part of the blood (the serum). Free hemoglobin is the hemoglobin outside of the red blood cells. Most of the hemoglobin is found inside the red blood cells, not in the serum. Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood.

Alternative Names

Blood hemoglobin; Serum hemoglobin; Hemolytic anemia – free hemoglobin

How the Test is Performed

adam.com”>A blood sample is needed.

How to Prepare for the Test

No preparation is necessary.

How the Test will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.

Why the Test is Performed

Hemoglobin (Hb) is the main component of red blood cells. It is a protein that carries oxygen. This test is done to diagnose or monitor how severe hemolytic anemia is. This is a disorder in which a low red blood cell count is caused by the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells.

Normal Results

Plasma or serum in someone who does not have hemolytic anemia may contain up to 5 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 0.05 grams per liter (g/L) hemoglobin.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different samples. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

A higher-than-normal level may indicate:

• A hemolytic anemia (due to any cause, including autoimmune and non-immune causes, such as thalassemia)
• Condition in which red blood cells break down when the body is exposed to certain drugs or the stress of infection (G6PD deficiency)
• Low red blood cell count due to red blood cells breaking down sooner than normal
• Blood disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed when they go from cold to warm temperatures (paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria)
• Sickle cell disease
• Transfusion reaction

Risks

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Multiple punctures to locate veins
• Hematoma (blood buildup under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

References

Marcogliese AN, Yee DL. Resources for the hematologist: interpretive comments and selected reference values for neonatal, pediatric, and adult populations. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 162.

Means RT. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 149.
 

Low White Blood Cell Count | Its Impact On Your Health

Blood cell counts give your doctor important clues about the state of your health before, during and after treatment. Blood counts alone can’t determine whether you have a blood cancer, but they can alert your doctor if further testing is needed.

A complete blood count (CBC) is the number and types of cells circulating in your blood. Your CBC is measured using laboratory tests that require a small blood sample.

Blood is composed of several types of cells:

• Red cells, sometimes referred to as erythrocytes, pick up oxygen as blood passes through the lungs and release it to the cells in the body.
• White cells, sometimes referred to as leukocytes, help fight bacteria and viruses.
• Platelets help your blood clot in response to a cut or a wound.

A CBC also tests hemoglobin and hematocrit:

• Hemoglobin is a protein used by red cells to distribute oxygen to other tissues and cells in the body.
• Hematocrit refers to the amount of your blood that’s occupied by red cells.

Normal Blood Counts

Normal blood counts fall within a range established by testing healthy men and women of all ages. The cell counts are compared to those of healthy individuals of similar age and sex. Nearly all lab reports include a “normal” range or high and low “values” to help you understand test results.

Normal Ranges of Blood Cell Counts for Healthy Adults and Children 

¹The ratio of hematocrit to hemoglobin is about 3 to 1.
²Normal ranges for women who are pregnant differ from these ranges.
³These ranges are for children from infancy to adolescence; speak with your doctor to find out specific values for infants and young children.

White Cell Differential

Differential count, sometimes referred to as a “diff,” is a breakdown of the different types of white cells. A white cell (WBC) differential also checks whether white cells appear normal. The five types of white cells and the approximate percentage they make up in the blood are:

• Neutrophils (55% to 70%)
• Band neutrophils (0% to 3%)
• Lymphocytes (20% to 40%)
• Monocytes (2% to 8%)
• Eosinophils (1% to 4%)
• Basophils (0.5% to 1%)

Until children are more than 4 years old, they have a higher percentage of lymphocytes in their blood than adults do.

How Blood Cancers Affect Blood Counts

Blood cancers can affect blood cell counts in a number of ways, either lowering or increasing measurements. If you’re currently receiving cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, drug therapy or radiation, your blood counts will be affected. Blood counts usually return to normal after treatment is complete.

Should You Keep Track of Your Blood Counts?

Some people want to know the results of their blood count tests so they can take preventive measures to protect their health or to what’s causing their symptoms. For example:

• If you have anemia as a result of low red cell counts, you’ll understand why you have low energy levels or are unable to carry out everyday tasks.
• If you have low white cell counts and develop a fever, you’ll know to contact your doctor promptly.
• If your platelet counts are too low, you can bleed or bruise easily, so you may choose to avoid activities that have a risk of injury.

Noncancerous Conditions

About 5 percent of healthy people will have test results outside of the “normal” range. If one or more of your blood cell counts is higher or lower than normal, your doctor will try to find out why. Many noncancerous conditions can contribute to low or high blood cell counts, such as those in the table below.

90,000 Hemoglobin (Hb) tests. Blood test for hemoglobin

The main component of erythrocytes, consisting of heme and globin, is the carrier of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. The hemoglobin level reflects erythropoiesis, and its determination is of great diagnostic value in anemia. The hemoglobin level depends on the height of residence above sea level, smoking, pregnancy. Therefore, for the diagnosis of anemia, the WHO gives corrections to the hemoglobin concentrations depending on the location above sea level and smoking.

Determination of hemoglobin level is an integral part of a clinical blood test and is not performed as a separate test.

Reference values ​​(standard variant).

Hemoglobin (HGB) – g / l

Age	Men	Women
<2 weeks	134.0-198.0
2 weeks- 1 month	107.0 – 171.0
1 month – 2 months	94. 0 – 130.0
2 – 4 months	103.0 – 141.0
4 months – 6 months	111.0 – 141.0
6 months – 9 months	114.0 – 140.0
9 months- 1 year	113.0 – 141.0
1 year – 5 years	110.0 – 140.0
5 – 9 years old	115.0 – 145.0
9 – 12 years old	120.0 – 150.0
12 – 15 years old	120.0 – 160.0	115.0 – 150.0
15 – 18 years old	117.0 – 166.0	117.0 – 153.0
18-45 years old	132.0 – 173.0	117.0 – 155.0
45 – 65 years old	131.0 – 172.0	117.0 – 160.0
> 65 years old	126. 0 – 174.0	117.0 – 161.0

Pathological forms of hemoglobin:

• Carbhemoglobin (HbCO) – formed by poisoning with carbon monoxide (CO), while hemoglobin loses the ability to attach oxygen
• Methemoglobin – formed by the action of nitrites, nitrates and some drugs (ferrous to trivalent iron transitions to form methemoglobin – HbMet)

General blood test – inquire about the service, make an appointment.MEDSI network of clinics in Barnaul

The examination is aimed at assessing such important indicators as erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin, ESR, etc. Each of the parameters may be within the normal range or deviate from it. Based on the results obtained, the doctor can draw conclusions about the patient’s health, diagnose or suspect the presence of a particular pathology.

Erythrocytes

These blood cells contain hemoglobin and are responsible for the movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.

An increase in the indicator may indicate:

• about erythremia (chronic leukemia)
• on hypohydration
• on diseases of the heart, lungs, polycystic kidney disease, narrowing of the renal arteries, etc.

Decrease:

• about anemia
• about myeloma or leukemia
• for bleeding

Platelets

These elements are involved in hemostasis (maintaining the fluid state of the blood).

An increase in their number can be judged on bleeding, iron deficiency, physical strain, erythremia, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other pathologies. The number of platelets decreases in autoimmune diseases, disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, splenomegaly, etc.

Leukocytes

These white bodies provide protection from germs and other substances. With an increase in the number of leukocytes, we can talk about leukemia, inflammation or infection, allergies, conditions after bleeding.Decreased indicators are characteristic of bone marrow pathologies, increased spleen function, genetic anomalies of immunity.

Basophils

These cells are responsible for the release of histamine. Elevated basophils can become the basis for suspicions of chickenpox, chronic sinusitis, hypothyroidism. Decreased rates are typical for acute infections, stress, hyperthyroidism, ovulation, and pregnancy.

Eosinophils

These cells are responsible for allergic reactions.With an increase in the indicator, an allergy can be suspected. Also, eosinophils increase with helminthic invasions (especially in children).

Neutrophils

These substances provide antibacterial immunity. They increase with infections (mainly bacterial), as well as with myocardial infarction, trauma, and malignant neoplasms.

Monocytes

These substances are a variation of white blood cells that absorb dead bacteria and cells.Monocytes decrease after heavy surgery and corticosteroid intake. An increase in the indicator is typical for syphilis, mononucleosis, arthritis, tuberculosis.

Granulocytes

These substances in the composition of the general blood test are detected to determine the work of the immune system, since they are its activators. Their level increases in inflammatory processes and decreases in aplastic anemia and lupus erythematosus.

Color index

It reflects the content of hemoglobin in erythrocytes.It is used mainly in the differential diagnosis of anemia.

Hemoglobin

This substance (protein) is part of the red blood cells. It binds with oxygen and carbon dioxide to deliver the first from the lungs to the tissues of the body. The indicator increases with a large number of red blood cells and cardiovascular decompensation. A decrease in hemoglobin indicates a decrease in erythrocytes, anemia, and blood loss.

Hematocrit

This indicator represents the percentage of blood volume to the volume of red blood cells in it.Hematocrit decreases with fasting, anemia, fluid retention in the body, pregnancy, excess protein content, etc. The indicator increases with leukemia, burn disease, diabetes, some kidney diseases, severe fluid loss, etc.

ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)

The parameter indicates how quickly the blood is divided into plasma and corpuscles (leukocytes, erythrocytes, etc.). An increased indicator indicates acute and chronic inflammation, heart damage, anemia, endocrine and other pathologies.ESR decreases with obstructive jaundice, erythremia, chronic circulatory failure, high levels of bilirubin, etc.

Important! You should not try to decipher the complete blood count on your own in adults: women, men and children. To do this, you need to have a number of special knowledge and skills. It will not be possible to make a diagnosis without them, since each indicator is considered not separately, but in combination with others. If necessary, the results of other laboratory tests and instrumental examinations are also evaluated.

Complete blood count | Polyclinic Medical Complex

Every person at least once in his life donated blood for a general analysis. This analysis is taken from newborns in maternity hospitals, and then we are faced with it, coming to the clinic for a prophylactic examination or consultation with a doctor.

Complete blood count (CBC) is a laboratory diagnostic blood test that consists of counting blood cells (leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets), morphological studies (determining the size and shape of cells), leukocyte formula, measuring hemoglobin, hematocrit.

What can you learn from a complete blood count?

Erythrocytes (blood cells containing hemoglobin, involved in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide). Hemoglobin (respiratory blood pigment, consisting of a protein part – globin and an iron part – hemo) and a color indicator show a picture of red blood. Low values ​​of hemoglobin and erythrocytes indicate the presence of anemia. Depending on the color indicator, there are several types of them. There are two causes of anemia: blood loss or a decrease in red blood cells (due to a decrease in their number or change in shape) and hemoglobin.

ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a non-specific indicator. An increase in ESR can occur physiologically (in old age or during pregnancy, menstruation or in the postpartum period) and pathologically (malignant tumors, autotomic diseases, blood loss, trauma, fractures, intoxication, etc.). A sharp increase in ESR together with an increase in leukocytes indicates an active inflammatory process. Low ESR results may appear during fasting, taking corticosteroids, pregnancy, and overhydration.Also, a strong decrease in ESR can indicate some diseases of the blood system, in which there is an increase in red blood cells and an increase in blood viscosity.

Leukocytes are blood cells involved in the immune response. An increase in the number of leukocytes makes us understand the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. With a significant increase in leukocytes, together with an increase in ESR, it is possible to suspect a malignant blood disease – leukemia. A hematologist will help you to understand and classify leukemias.A decrease in the number of leukocytes indicates a decrease in the body’s immune function (a person in such cases is very vulnerable to disease).

Leukocyte formula is a collection of leukocyte varieties (eosinophils, basophils, stab and segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes).

An increase in eosinophils indicates the presence of allergic processes, parasitic diseases, helminthiasis or eosinophilic infiltrates in the lungs.

Basophils are poorly studied cells, but their appearance may indicate a dysfunction of the thyroid gland.

Stab neutrophils reveal the inflammatory process. And the more stab neutrophils are counted, the more active the inflammatory process is.

An increase in segmented neutrophils indicates a bacterial infection in the body.

An increase in lymphocytes indicates the presence of a viral infection (there are exceptions).

The number of monocytes can also increase with viral and bacterial infections. Both with and without lymphocytosis.

The leukocyte formula is complex and has many nuances. Only a doctor can understand the dynamics, cell ratios, changes, and in connection with the clinical picture.

Platelets-cells involved in hemostasis (a mechanism for stopping bleeding).

With a decrease in the number of platelets, the bleeding time increases, the vessels become brittle, therefore, reddish dots or bruises appear on the skin, bleeding of the gums appears, and internal bleeding may occur.Increased platelets (thrombocytosis). There is primary and reactive thrombocytosis. Primary thrombocytosis occurs due to a defect in hematopoietic stem cells. Reactive thrombocytosis appears with a pathological process (considered as a benign disorder).

Hematocrit is the ratio of erythrocytes and blood plasma. An increase in hematocrit appears: with neoplasm of the kidneys, pulmonary insufficiency, congenital heart defects, erythremia, burn disease, peritonitis, dehydration of the body, etc.e. A decrease in hematocrit was noted in anemia, overhydration, pregnancy (11 trimester).

The doctor who wrote the referral will advise you on how to prepare for donating blood for a general analysis.

How to take a general blood test

Whatever you get sick, the first test that a competent doctor prescribes for you will be a general blood test. This is one of the most common and most needed diagnostic tests.It allows the doctor to make an initial assessment of the patient’s condition. We have tried to answer the most common questions about how to get a complete blood count for adults and children.

How is a complete blood count taken: from a vein or from a finger?

Blood for general analysis is taken both venous and capillary . That is, both from a vein and from a finger.

The analysis from capillary blood (from a finger) is less accurate: there is a high probability of distortion of the results associated with the blood sampling procedure (compression of tissues, ingestion of tissue fluid, platelet aggregation, formation of microclots, etc.) Therefore, to date, a clinical blood test from a finger is taken only in cases where the collection of venous blood is difficult or impossible. For example, with severe burns, when the patient’s veins are too small and thin, if there is a tendency to venous thrombosis, etc.

In newborns, a complete blood count is taken from a finger in most cases.

What is the difference between a general blood test and a clinical one?

These two concepts, in general, are synonymous with . It is worth noting that there is a detailed general blood test with a leukocyte formula, which allows the doctor to more accurately determine the cause of the disease.But, please note, such an analysis is also called general or clinical.

How to take a complete blood count, on an empty stomach or not?

To avoid distortion of the results, it is better to take a general blood test on an empty stomach .

Can I smoke before taking a blood test?

Under the influence of nicotine, a large number of different hormones are produced, aimed at suppressing toxic effects. In addition, immediately after smoking a cigarette, the number of erythrocytes in the blood increases sharply, and the level of leukocytes decreases.As a result of this process, not only does the viscosity of the blood increase, which inevitably affects the integrity of the vessels, but also its structure changes, and this cannot but affect the conduct of research.

Therefore, in order to obtain the most reliable data on the state of one’s own body, it is necessary it is not recommended to smoke for 1-1.5 hours before the study.

Does alcohol affect the blood test?

Before taking tests , alcoholic beverages must not be taken ! There are several main reasons why you should not drink alcohol before a blood test.

Alcohol lowers the level of sugar, hemoglobin, negatively affects the content of red blood cells, increases the level of cholesterol. As a result of the action of alcohol in the liver, a decrease in lipid metabolism is observed. This indicator in the human body is very important before surgery. Therefore, doctors do not allow the use of alcoholic beverages on the eve of laboratory tests. Medical staff recommend refusing to take alcoholic beverages two days before the study.

When testing for hepatitis, HIV, syphilis and some other diseases, you should not take alcoholic beverages before the examination for at least 72 hours. Exposure to alcohol may distort the test results. If a person refrained from taking alcohol on the eve of laboratory tests, in this case, you can get reliable results, establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

General requirements before passing a general blood test

• Eliminate alcohol from the diet 24-72 hours before the study
• Children under 1 year old do not eat for 30-40 minutes before the study
• Children aged 1 to 5 years do not eat for 2-3 hours before the study
• Do not eat for 8 hours before the study, you can drink clean non-carbonated water
• Eliminate physical and emotional stress within 30 minutes before the study
• Do not smoke for 1-1.5 hours before the study

Where to take a general blood test in St. Petersburg?

A general blood test is accepted in many polyclinics, laboratories and medical centers in St. Petersburg.Including in the SKLIF medical center. The presence of a large amount of honey. institutions where the biomaterial is taken, can significantly reduce the load on each of them as a whole and separately, and also makes it possible to get test results quickly and without queues. At the SKLIF Medical Center, you can also take a general blood test at a very competitive price.

Deadline for completing a blood test

The study requires 1-3 days . Urgent blood tests are performed within one working day .

Validity of the general blood test

The validity period of the results of a general blood test is 10-14 days . After this period, if necessary, the doctor may prescribe a re-examination.

Complete blood count: price

The cost of a blood test varies depending on the laboratory or clinic where the biomaterial is taken. The SKLIF Medical Center offers tests for most of the city’s laboratories. You can always find up-to-date information about discounts and promotions for analyzes on our website.

We remind you that in order to pass the tests, you need to pay additionally for the services of the treatment room.

Gynecological smears are taken by a gynecologist. If you came only for the analysis, then you do not need to pay for the appointment.

As always, you can ask all your questions to our administrators online or by phone +7 (921) 80-80-219

How does a violation of the preparation rules affect the test results?

It would seem that a small piece of bread, a sip of coffee or a morning smoke can affect the test results? Let’s figure this out.

Why is a blood test taken on an empty stomach?

According to the rules, most blood tests are taken exclusively on an empty stomach in the morning. Since it is at this time that the body “gives out” the correct composition of blood, urine, etc.
Food intake leads to a distortion of the blood composition, which greatly affects the test results. Both after a hearty breakfast and after a minimum meal, the biochemical composition of the blood changes – the concentration of glucose, cholesterol, hemoglobin, leukocytes, some hormones, metabolic products.
Therefore, the results may be inaccurate, and you will have to retake the biomaterial.
If you provide a doctor with the results of analyzes done after a meal, there is a high probability of making an erroneous diagnosis, detecting non-existent diseases, prescribing the wrong treatment.
In order for the diagnosis to be accurate, the blood should not contain excess sugar, fat and trace elements. It is especially not recommended to eat fatty and fried foods on the eve, since in this case chileosis (fat in the blood serum) is likely, which leads to an increase in cholesterol levels and a distortion of biochemistry.Eating fish or seafood may result in increased protein levels. Meat products help to thicken the blood. Sugary foods increase glucose levels.

Why can you only drink water before a blood test?

Before taking blood tests, it is recommended to drink only clean, boiled water in a small amount, as it thinns the blood and makes it easier to take an analysis from a vein. Mineral water, sweet soda are not allowed, because they, like food, affect the composition of the blood, that is, the result of the study.
The exclusion list also includes coffee and tea, as these drinks contain a large amount of trace elements, and can also change the composition of the blood and its elements. Their use must be excluded at least 6 hours in advance.
Alcohol is also negatively reflected in research results. Alcoholic beverages trigger a whole complex of biochemical reactions in the blood, therefore, if a feast took place the day before, it is advisable to postpone the study for 1-2 days.

Why is it forbidden to smoke?

A few hours before the test, you need to quit smoking.This requirement is just as important as refusal to eat, and should not be neglected, even if you “really want to.”
Nicotine contained in tobacco smoke has a complex effect on the general condition of the body, promotes vasoconstriction and impaired blood flow, increases blood viscosity, saturates its composition with various chemical compounds and affects hormones.

Why exclude physical activity and stress?

It’s hard to believe, but hard physical labor, emotional stress, stress also affect the blood composition indicators.Physical activity increases the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and stressful conditions raise the level of platelets and glucose, and affect the production of insulin.

In order not to come back for blood sampling, we recommend that you follow these rules in advance. Compliance with the rules of preparation is a guarantee of the accuracy of the results, the reliability of the diagnosis and further therapy!

90,000 GENERAL BLOOD ANALYSIS: FROM A TO Z

General blood analysis: from A to Z

Imagine: you come to the doctor and tell about everything that bothers you – you constantly get tired, sleep poorly, periodically pick up “mutated” viruses and you just feel bad.What’s next? A good doctor (and only such doctors work in the Medicover polyclinic) will advise you to take a general blood test first. “For what? – you might think. “Isn’t it easier to prescribe a handful of“ magic pills ”and be happy to let me go home?” Yes, it’s easier, because you don’t need to interpret the result, ask yourself the question: “Why exactly?”. But is this the right approach? Tatiana Bereza, an employee of the clinical diagnostic laboratory of the Medicover polyclinic, tells about what a general blood test gives to know.

There are several names for the same study: complete blood count (abbreviated CBC), clinical or detailed blood count. In our medical center, “detailed” and “general” blood tests are synonyms, because the calculation of the leukocyte formula is carried out for all patients, without exception. Ever since school, you probably know that blood consists of plasma and corpuscles (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets). It is the general blood test that determines the quantitative and qualitative properties of the blood corpuscles that characterize the state of human health.

When are you or your child advised to have a complete blood count?

• During pregnancy: in accordance with changes in the number of erythrocytes, platelets, leukocytes, the ratio of their varieties, hemoglobin level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the blood, you can determine the state of the body of a pregnant woman.
• Before vaccination: to make sure that there is no inflammatory process in the body.
• When a doctor suspects a hematological disorder.
• With ARVI for the differentiation of bacterial and viral infections.
• Subject to suspicion of helminthic invasion.
• During the next medical examination.

Taking blood for a general analysis and determining the parameters of your body is the European norm, which is completely commonplace in the European clinic Medicover. With these indicators, the body of your body for the doctor is at a glance. The analysis is contained on one form and one document, which is available to the patient online.

You can take a general blood test at the Medicover polyclinic every day from 8 to 17 hours, preferably on an empty stomach. If you are unable to leave your home, or if you have a child that you don’t want to take to the clinic, the nurse can take blood from your home.

How exactly is the UAC done?

Blood can be donated both from a vein and from a finger, receiving venous or capillary blood, respectively. In theory, there is a difference between them, but in practice, it is small.But, if you donate blood several times several times during the same disease (for example, before and after ARVI treatment), it is advisable to adhere to the same conditions during the collection. By the way, don’t donate blood during critical days, this distorts the result.

What happens after you donate blood? A labeled tube with your blood goes to the laboratory, where almost all parameters, except for POE and leukocyte count, are performed by a hematology analyzer. Why do we trust him with your blood? Because the clinic has a multi-level quality system, and every day the correctness and accuracy of this machine is carefully checked.

And now the result is ready . You can get it at the clinic or, if you don’t feel like leaving your home, you will find the result in your own map on the Internet. What do you see on this form?

In the first column – a list of indicators that are included in the UAC: leukocytes (WBC), erythrocytes (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), average erythrocyte volume (MCV), average hemoglobin in erythrocyte (MCH), average erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelets (PLT), erythrocyte distribution width (RDW-CV), erythrocyte sedimentation rate – ESR (ESR), leukocyte formula (stab neutrophils – BAND, segmented neutrophils – NEUT, lymphocytes – LYMPH MONO, eosinophils – EO, basophils – BASO).In the column “Normal indicators” the boundaries of the norm are prescribed, respectively, with the patient’s age and gender. An exception can only be made by pregnant women. The fact is that pregnancy in each woman is different, therefore there are no specific developed norms. Don’t let that scare you. Every doctor knows what deviations can be expected and which ones are worth paying attention to.

Often patients ask whether it is possible to do an analysis for mononuclear cells? Are we testing blood for leukemia?

Atypical mononuclear cells (virocytes) and other abnormal blood cells are detected or not detected during the calculation of the leukocyte formula, which is necessarily recorded in the test result form.

Are reticulocytes included in a complete blood count? No, but you can also determine their number, if you wish, in our MC.

A wise man said: “Treat patients as if they were your family, and their long and happy life may depend on your analysis.” We are trying to translate this slogan into reality, love our job and start our day with a smile and good mood.

Doctors named the tests that need to be passed by those who have had coronavirus

All coronavirus patients should have their blood tested.First of all, doctors advise to take a complete blood count, as well as separately check the content of C-reactive protein and the coagulation system. For those who have experienced liver problems during covid, a biochemical test is also required. About who definitely should not miss the test and how it can be dangerous – in the material of “Gazeta.Ru”,

After suffering a coronavirus, all patients should have a complete blood count and a C-reactive protein test, doctors advise. As explained to “Gazeta.Ru ”infectious disease specialist Anna Balandina, their results will help assess the state of human immunity, as well as identify whether signs of inflammation are preserved in the body.

General analysis, in particular, helps to understand whether the infection has damaged the bone marrow. If this is the case, the person may develop anemia or have a low platelet count. Both consequences threaten problems with internal organs and even death.

Another indicator – C-reactive protein – shows if there is inflammation in the body at the time of analysis.Its increased content in the body helps to track the addition of a bacterial infection or a new inflammatory process.

Patients with chronic diseases, as well as those whose liver actively responded to inflammation during the acute phase of the coronavirus, should also undergo a biochemical blood test. It is necessary to repeat the tests, both a general blood test and a biochemical one, about once every two weeks. At the same time, if the problems are not eliminated, the attending physician should send the patient for consultation to narrow specialists, the infectious disease specialist Balandina advises.

“Until the leukocyte formula returns to normal, it is not recommended for a person to overcool, overheat, lie in the sun or in a solarium, and it is also worth limiting heavy physical activity,” the physician clarified.

Special attention should be paid to the state of the blood coagulation system, which can also be affected by coronavirus. So, in the case of increased clotting, a person can develop blood clots, which can lead to death. With reduced clotting, any cut is dangerous – the wound will bleed profusely, and serious blood loss is possible.

Elderly people, as well as those who suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases, smokers, people with varicose veins, overweight, obesity and diabetes mellitus are at particular risk. At the same time, a serious complication can also be recorded in those who did not experience any health problems before the coronavirus, explained transfusiologist Andrei Zvonkov.

“It is advisable to periodically take an INR (international normalized ratio) test for at least six months, it shows the state of the blood coagulation system.If this parameter is less than 1.5, it is alarming, it is necessary to take drugs that thin the blood, reduce clotting. If more than 1.8-1.85 – everything is in order, you do not need to worry. But if the parameter is more than 2, then you have drunk thinning drugs, you need to see a doctor and cancel or reduce the dosage, ”Andrei Zvonkov told Sputnik radio station.

For those who have had a severe illness, individual tests must be prescribed by the attending physician, reminded the physician-therapist of the Semeynaya network of clinics Alexander Lavrishchev.In the case of a mild to moderate form of infection that the patient has suffered at home, any changes in well-being should be monitored independently.

“You need to see a doctor, even if it’s just weakness. Behind it can hide, as an exacerbation of some kind of chronic disease – high blood pressure, low iron or hemoglobin – and postcoid depression and asthenic syndrome. No need to waste money and run to get tested. It is more correct to consult a doctor and already decide with him what to pay attention to.There is no need to engage in any kind of amateur performance, ”the therapist told Gazeta.Ru.

In general, doctors advise to be more attentive to your body after the transferred virus. In particular, even after the normalization of the indicators, everyone should take tests at least twice a year, urges the immunologist Maria Polner.

“After suffering a coronavirus infection, no special tests are required. At the same time, it is worth remembering that each person is recommended to take a general and biochemical blood test once or twice a year as part of a check-up.

If during the delivery of these tests, any changes are revealed, you should contact your doctor and jointly decide how to be examined and adjust the indicators in the future, “the interlocutor of Gazeta.Ru concluded.

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