What is haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin (Hb) is a protein contained in red blood cells which carries oxygen. A low haemoglobin (or blood count) is known as anaemia.
When would you need a haemoglobin test?
Haemoglobin may be requested to diagnose or exclude anaemia (low blood count) – which causes tiredness, shortness of breath on exertion and possibly postural light-headedness.
An increased haemoglobin may be present in smokers or those with chronic lung disease, and causes a plethoric or ‘ruddy’ complexion.
How is a haemoglobin test performed?
Haemoglobin may be performed as a simple bedside test on a fingerprick sample of blood using a hand-held colour-comparison device.
It may also be performed as a laboratory blood test, usually as part of a full blood count (FBC), on a few millilitres of blood from a vein.
Get on top of your general health
Find and instantly book affordable GPs within Australia
Haemoglobin test results explained
Low haemoglobin
A low haemoglobin is called anaemia, and has a variety of causes, including
- Chronic (over a long time) blood loss
- Destruction of red cells
- Decreased blood cell formation in the bone marrow
- Defective production of haemoglobin
- Chronic illness
High haemoglobin
A high haemoglobin is called polycythaemia and may be caused by:
- Smoking
- Chronic lung disease
- A blood condition called polycythaemia rubra vera (PRV)
Related specialists
- Haematologist
- General Practitioner (GP)
- General Physician
- General Surgeon
- Emergency Physician
- Anaesthetist
- Nephrologist
- Obstetrician
- Oncologist
- Paediatrician
Related procedures
- Blood test (venesection)
- Endoscopy of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
- Colonoscopy
- Pre-operative Anaesthetic assessment
- Bone Marrow Biopsy
Related tests
- Full Blood Count (FBC)
- White Cell Count (WCC, WBC)
- Differential White Cell Count (Diff)
- Platelet Count (Plt)
- Iron Studies (Fe)
- Haemoglobin Electrophoresis
- Endoscopy of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
- Colonoscopy
Also known as
- Hb
Links
A: Use HealthEngine to find and book your next GP appointment. Click on the following locations to find a GP clinic in your state or territory.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
Related Articles
Need a health appointment?
Find and book a doctor, dentist, physio and more on Healthengine
Find a practitioner
