What is hgb in blood test is one of the frequently asked questions by a large number of individuals, given that many doctors often advise patients to perform this test to evaluate the health condition, but what is the importance and benefits of Hemoglobin test name (hgb), how can the results be evaluated, and how is it performed via blood test at home services? This is what we will talk about later.
What is Hgb in blood test
The Hemoglobin test name is hgb blood test or Hg% blood test, and is an important medical test that can be performed separately or as one of the main parameters measured in a complete blood count (CBC) to determine the level of hgb; The patient’s hemoglobin value primarily helps determine the degree of anemia he has.
The doctor can also rely on the hemoglobin result along with some other parameters to determine the type of anemia the patient suffers from
Understanding Hemoglobin and Its Importance
You can not understand what is Hgb in blood test without Understanding Hemoglobin and Its Importance in the body
Oxygen is a fundamental factor in the body’s vital functions, Iron is also one of the most important elements needed to prevent anemia. This is where hemoglobin comes in.
Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein found on red blood cells, carrying oxygen to the lungs and various parts of the body via the circulatory system.
This demonstrates that any decrease or imbalance in hemoglobin levels in the blood has a significant impact on health.
What is it used for?
Measuring the hemoglobin level in the blood helps determine the efficiency of red blood cells and their ability to supply the body with the necessary amount of oxygen.
So the answer to what is hgb in blood test question; is that it is the main parameter to detect anemia.
Why do I need a hemoglobin test?
There are some cases in which knowing what is hgb in blood test and performing it is necessary, such as:
- Feeling constantly tired, dizzy, generally weak, cold extremities, and other symptoms of anemia.
- If there is a family history of some types of hereditary anemia, such as Favism (G6PDH Anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, etc., a periodic examination of the hemoglobin level in the blood is recommended.
- If you have had a long-term infection or follow a diet that lacks iron, vitamins, and other nutrients.
- Loss of large amounts of blood due to bleeding, surgery, or other procedures.
Why is a hemoglobin test done?
If the doctor notices symptoms of anemia, especially fatigue and weakness throughout the year, or other symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, or if there is a medical history of a first-degree relative suffering from a hereditary anemia or other causes of low hemoglobin levels in the blood, then he may direct the patient to a Hemoglobin level test (HGB).
Also Read: regular blood test check up
The Hemoglobin Test Process
To completely understand what is hgb in blood test, you must know its procedures.
Fortunately, blood test at home services include the possibility of performing a hemoglobin test at home. A blood sample can be drawn from the patient at home by an experienced and certified home nursing service team, such as the nursing team provided by Lana Life Clinic, which specializes in providing professional home healthcare services in Dubai. The steps for conducting the test are simple and quick.
What happens during a hemoglobin test?
During a hemoglobin test, the home healthcare team visits the patient’s home and follows all health and safety protocols to safely draw a venous blood sample from the patient’s arm.
The blood is then placed on an appropriate anticoagulant, using an EDTA tube, and the tube is then sent to the laboratory. Once the test is complete, the results are sent to the patient.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
To understand what is hgb in blood test is, you should know that the Hemoglobin test (Hgb) does not require any prior preparation or fasting hours.
However, in specific cases, it is important to ensure that the patient is not suffering from a favism attack, has not received a blood transfusion in the past few days, and is not following any treatment plan that would affect the hemoglobin level, as these factors negatively impact the accuracy of the test results.
Are there any risks to the test?
There are no risks associated with a hemoglobin blood test, but sometimes the patient may experience swelling, pain, or bruising at the site where the blood sample was drawn.
How are hemoglobin levels measured?
The hemoglobin level in the blood is measured after a blood sample is drawn and sent to a laboratory by using medical devices designed to measure these parameters.
The sample is inserted into the device in a specific manner, and the measurement results are obtained within a short time.
How are hemoglobin levels tested?
The hemoglobin blood test is performed alone or as part of a complete blood count test; Home healthcare services, including blood testing at home, are also available for greater ease, convenience, and safety when performing the test.
Also Read: importance of regular health check ups
Hemoglobin Levels and Their Meaning
After a hemoglobin blood test is performed, whether through home healthcare services or by visiting a medical center, the patient will receive a report containing their hemoglobin level.
This value is compared with the normal levels stated in the report to determine whether the patient has a normal level or is suffering from an increase or decrease in hemoglobin.
What do the results mean?
The Hgb test results indicate whether the patient is normal, has anemia, or may have an abnormally high hemoglobin level.
Normal hemoglobin levels by age
Among knowing what is hgb in blood test, you should know that the Hgb reference values differ greatly with age & sex, as follows:
- Children: 9.5 – 15.5 g/dl
- Adult Male: 14 – 18 g/dl
- Adult Female: 12 – 16 g/dl
- Pregnant women:
- 1st trimester: 11.5–14 g/dl
- 2nd trimester: 10–15 g/dl
- 3rd trimester: 9.5–15 g/dl
What is a healthy hemoglobin level by age?
The Hgb healthy level should be among the normal values for all ages, whether children, adult males, adult females, or pregnant women.
Also Read: vitamin and mineral deficiency test
Low Hemoglobin: Causes and Symptoms
A lower-than-normal hemoglobin level in the blood may indicate the presence of more than one medical condition, as there are many causes of low hemoglobin in the blood.
What is low hemoglobin?
Low hemoglobin indicates that the patient’s hGB blood test results are lower than the normal range, which is 9.9 g/dL for children, 12 g/dL for women, 14 g/dL for men, and so on.
What happens when hemoglobin is low?
When the hemoglobin level in the blood is low, the patient will show symptoms of anemia, especially weakness, fatigue, and dizziness; The severity of these symptoms varies depending on the degree of hemoglobin deficiency in the patient’s blood.
What does it mean when Hgb is low?
This means that the patient is suffering from a type of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, favism, or pernicious anemia caused by vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 deficiency.
The doctor will need to conduct a complete blood count (CBC) and measure some other blood parameters to accurately determine the type of anemia.
What are the symptoms of low hemoglobin?
The most important symptoms of low hemoglobin in the blood, which require immediate treatment to eliminate anemia, include:
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- General and persistent weakness.
- Cold extremities (feet and hands).
- Increased heart rate.
- Sometimes, the patient may experience shortness of breath.
At what level is hemoglobin dangerously low?
Hemoglobin deficiency and anemia are divided into three main degrees:
- Mild anemia: This refers to a slight decrease in the blood hemoglobin level.
- Moderate anemia: This refers to a moderate decrease in the hemoglobin level.
- Marked anemia: This refers to a severe decrease in the hemoglobin and red blood cell levels, and it is the most severe type of anemia.
Also Read: Importance of NIPT Test
High Hemoglobin: Causes and Symptoms
Sometimes, the patient’s problem may be high hemoglobin levels in the blood, not low hemoglobin levels. This condition has some causes and symptoms that are different from those of low hemoglobin.
What does it mean if your Hgb is high?
When hemoglobin levels are higher than normal, this may indicate certain physiological causes, such as living at high altitudes, strenuous exercise, smoking, or taking certain medications such as erythropoietin.
In other cases, high hemoglobin levels may be caused by bone marrow cancer, burns, dehydration, or lung disease.
What are the symptoms of high hemoglobin?
The common symptoms of high hemoglobin include:
- Dizziness and headache.
- Excessive sweating.
- Prone to bleeding and bruising.
- Joint swelling.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- May develop adult jaundice, which appears in yellow skin and eyes.
Symptoms of high hemoglobin levels
In addition to the common symptoms of high hemoglobin in the blood, the patient is also susceptible to developing a blood clot due to the increased number of red blood cells in the blood vessels.
High hemoglobin levels
Scientists have indicated that high hemoglobin levels in the blood result from a condition known as polycythemia vera, which means a very large increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood, and is undoubtedly accompanied by many pathological conditions that may threaten the patient’s life.
Also Read: bilirubin blood test
Get Accurate Hemoglobin Testing with Lana Life Care!
Lana Life Care Clinic is the best medical center specializing in providing home healthcare services in Dubai with professionalism and precision.
Our most important home healthcare services include comprehensive healthcare services, such as blood test at home, delivered by a team of healthcare experts. We also offer home nursing service staffed by certified male and female nurses.
We also adhere to all health and safety standards when providing home healthcare at any time specified by the patient, 24 hours a day.
It is worth mentioning that the prices for all home healthcare services at Lana Life Care, such as home nursing service and blood tests at home (like: Hemoglobin test name (HGB), CBC, LFT, KFT, Lipid Profile, etc.), are unbeatable.
Now, after explaining what is hgb in blood test and all the information about its importance, normal values, etc., if you want to be reassured about your health, do not hesitate to contact us at Lana Life Care Clinic to conduct the hgb test, relying on the best blood test at home services ever in Dubai.
Faq
What does it mean if my Hgb is low?
This may mean that you are suffering from a type of anemia and need to consult a doctor to obtain the necessary treatment plan.
What is the disease when your hemoglobin is low?
When the hemoglobin level in the blood is low, you may develop a medical condition known as anemia, which may be iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, favism, or other anemia types.
Sources:
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hemoglobin-test/
https://www.healthline.com/health/hgb
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hemoglobin-test/about/pac-20385075