Hemoglobin test

Hemoglobin is a protein that contains iron, which is carried by red blood cells. For this reason, iron deficiency can lead to a deficiency of hemoglobin in the blood.

Hemoglobin test

The main function of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and to return carbon dioxide from different parts of the body to the lungs. Therefore, the lack of hemoglobin, known as anemia or anemia, can lead to a large number of phenomena and symptoms, from fatigue and pallor to difficulty breathing.

Most people know the relationship between a lack of hemoglobin in the blood and a lack of iron, and they also know the term anemia as a state of hemoglobin deficiency in the body. However, we must know that low hemoglobin levels in the body are not the same problem, but rather one of the symptoms that indicate that there is another problem that must be diagnosed.

In addition, there are a number of cases in which higher hemoglobin levels are diagnosed in the blood than usual, for example in individuals who smoke heavily.

When is the examination performed?

Often, a hemoglobin test is done as part of a routine check known to all of us as a complete blood count. This examination is performed in most cases during which a blood sample is taken for examination or in cases in which the sick person complains of problems such as excessive fatigue, weakness and the like.

In addition, a hemoglobin test is performed for people who have previously been diagnosed with circulatory problems, such as anemia or an excess of hemoglobin in the blood (Polycythemia) in order to monitor and monitor the progression of the disease.

The at-risk category

The most common cause of low hemoglobin levels is diets that do not contain enough iron.

In pregnant women, low levels of hemoglobin are often noted. Therefore, in most cases, it is desirable to add iron to the diet of the pregnant woman. As for people who smoke a lot, they may develop a case of an excess of hemoglobin in their bodies.

This is also true for people who live in high places, due to the low levels of oxygen available in the air there, as the body compensates for this deficiency by producing greater amounts of hemoglobin in order to carry as much oxygen as possible.

Related diseases

It is possible to notice a decrease in hemoglobin levels, which results in anemia in several cases, the most prominent of which are:

Blood loss, as a result of surgery, a bleeding ulcer, or other internal bleeding.
Incomplete diet, such as not getting enough iron.
Chronic kidney disease.
People with diseases of the bone marrow

Genetic diseases that cause abnormal hemoglobin production, such as sickle cell anemia

As for high levels of hemoglobin (Polycythemia), the most important causes of it may include the following:

Heavy smokers.
People who live at high places.
People with diseases of the bone marrow.
Diseases affecting the lung, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung fibrosis
Congenital heart disease that is born with the child.

How to perform the examination

A hemoglobin test is done as part of your regular blood tests, and it involves taking a blood sample intravenously. It is usually taken from the inside of the facility.

There is no need for special preparations for this examination. However, since this test is usually performed in parallel with other general tests, such as checking the levels of fats in the blood, fasting may be required. After the examination, it is possible to return to the routine activity directly.

Warnings

General

There is a very small risk of having a complete blood test and you may feel slight pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most of these symptoms usually go away quickly.

During pregnancy: