Know about the hemoglobin and hemoglobin test

 

Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein found in Red Blood Cells (RBC), giving them their unique red color. It is primarily responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the tissues and organs of your body.

 

A hemoglobin test is often used to detect anemia, which is a deficiency of RBC that can have adverse health effects. While hemoglobin can be tested on its own, it’s more often tested as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test that also measures levels of other types of blood cells.

Why should we do the hemoglobin test，What’s the purpose?

 

A hemoglobin test is used to find out how much hemoglobin is in your blood. It is most often used to determine if you have low levels of RBC, a condition known as anemia.

 

In addition to identifying anemia, a hemoglobin test can be involved in the diagnosis of other health problems like liver and kidney disease, blood disorders, malnutrition, some kinds of cancer, and heart and lung conditions.

 

If you have been treated for anemia or other conditions that can affect hemoglobin levels, a hemoglobin test may be ordered to check your response to treatment and monitor the progression of your overall health.

 

 

When should I get this test?

 

Hemoglobin is one indicator of how much oxygen your body may be getting. Levels can also reflect whether you have enough iron in your blood. Accordingly, your provider may order a CBC to measure hemoglobin if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of low oxygen or iron. These symptoms can include:

Fatigue

Shortness of breath during physical activity

Dizziness

Skin that is paler or yellower than usual

Headaches

Irregular heartbeat

 

Although less common, high hemoglobin levels can also cause health problems. A hemoglobin test may be ordered if you have signs of abnormally high hemoglobin levels, such as:

Disturbed vision

Dizziness

Headache

Slurred speech

Reddening of the face

 

Your may also be suggested to have a hemoglobin test if you have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having:

Blood disorders like sickle cell disease or thalassemia

Diseases affecting the lungs, liver, kidneys, or cardiovascular system

Significant bleeding from trauma or surgery

Poor nutrition or a diet that is low in vitamins and minerals, specifically iron

Significant long-term infection

Cognitive impairment, especially in the elderly

Certain types of cancer

 

Way to perform a hemoglobin test

 

In general, the hemoglobin test is usually measured as part of the CBC test,other blood components may be measured including:

White blood cells (WBCs), which are involved in immune function

Platelets that enable the blood to clot when needed

Hematocrit, the proportion of blood made up of RBC

 

But now, there is also a method to detect hemoglobin separately, that is, ACCUGENCE ® Multi-Monitoring System can help you have quick hemoglobin test. This Multi-Monitoring System works on advanced biosensor technology and test on multi-parametes not also can perform a hemoglobin test,but also including the test for Glucose (GOD), Glucose (GDH-FAD), Uric Acid and Blood Ketone .