The Haemoglobin (Hb) test assesses the amount of haemoglobin in the blood. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs throughout the body, making adequate levels essential for oxygen delivery. Imbalances in haemoglobin levels, whether low or high, can hinder the body's ability to provide sufficient oxygen to cells, leading to potential health issues.

Your doctor may suggest a Haemoglobin test if you experience symptoms of these imbalances. This test is instrumental in diagnosing anaemia, pinpointing its causes, gauging its severity, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments.

With the fast-paced lifestyle in Mumbai, health can sometimes be overlooked. If your doctor advises a Haemoglobin test, make sure to book your test in Mumbai promptly.

Before scheduling a Haemoglobin test at home, take note of the following:

• Prerequisites

Fasting is not a requirement for the Hb test.

• Best Time to Get Tested

The Hb test can be scheduled at any time that suits you.

• Who Should Get an Hb Test

An Hb test may be necessary as part of routine health checks or if you exhibit symptoms related to low or high haemoglobin levels. The test is also useful for:

• Diagnosing or evaluating causes of anaemia (low haemoglobin) or polycythaemia (high haemoglobin).

• Determining the severity of your condition.

• Checking the response of your haemoglobin levels to treatment.

• Cautions Before Taking an Hb Test

No special preparation is necessary for an Hb test, but several factors can affect haemoglobin levels, including:

• Exercise: Strenuous activity can raise haemoglobin levels.

• Fluid Intake: High fluid consumption can lower haemoglobin levels.

• Pregnancy: Haemoglobin levels may naturally decrease during pregnancy.

• Medications: Some medications, like antiretrovirals and anabolic steroids, can affect haemoglobin levels.

• Altitude: Living at high altitudes may increase haemoglobin levels. Your doctor will provide specific instructions if necessary.

A Haemoglobin test may be ordered by your doctor if you exhibit symptoms of abnormal haemoglobin levels. Symptoms of Low Haemoglobin:

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Cold hands and feet

• Chest pain

• Headache

• Pale skin

• Shortness of breath

• Weakness

Symptoms of High Haemoglobin:

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Blood clots

• Swelling of joints

• Headaches

• Easy bruising

• Itching

• Yellowing of eyes and skin

• Blurred or double vision

• Weakness

• Weight loss

• Excess sweating

• Dizziness

Additionally, your doctor might use this test to monitor your response to treatments that alter your red blood cell count. Other reasons for an Hb test include:

• A diet is deficient in key nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate.

• Substantial blood loss due to surgery or injury.

• Chronic infections.

• A family history of inherited blood disorders, including thalassaemia or sickle cell anaemia.

The table below provides the normal range for haemoglobin levels in grams per decilitre (g/dL).

Interpretation

High Levels: High haemoglobin levels could point to serious health conditions and may cause complications like blood clots. Potential causes include:

• Medical Conditions: Conditions such as COPD, congenital heart disease, polycythaemia vera, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, liver cancer, and kidney cancer.

• Other Factors: High-altitude living, dehydration, smoking, exposure to carbon monoxide, and use of drugs such as anabolic steroids.

Low Levels: Low haemoglobin levels can arise from several conditions that impact the body’s ability to produce or maintain red blood cells. Key causes include:

• Other Factors: Iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiencies and poor iron absorption can interfere with red blood cell production.

• Blood Loss: Blood loss from injuries, surgeries, heavy menstrual periods, or internal bleeding can lower haemoglobin levels.

• Inadequate Red Blood Cell Production: Conditions like various anaemias (aplastic, pernicious), blood and bone marrow cancers (leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome), chemotherapy, chronic kidney disease, and certain medications, including antiretroviral drugs.

• Increased Red Blood Cell Destruction: Diseases such as sickle cell anaemia, thalassaemia, and an enlarged spleen can decrease red blood cell lifespan.

Abnormal haemoglobin levels don’t always signify a health problem. Factors like diet, menstrual cycles, medications, and physical activity can also influence your results. Discuss your test outcomes with your doctor for proper interpretation.