Hemoglobin (HB) Test
Understanding
Blood Work
With
Hemoglobin Test
Hemoglobin
(Hb) test is a common and routinely performed blood test that measures the
level of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood
cells that plays a vital role in carrying oxygen from the lungs to other parts
of the body and transporting carbon dioxide back to the lungs for removal. The
hemoglobin test is generally carried out to assess the oxygen-carrying capacity
of the blood and to monitor various medical conditions such as anemia. The
hemoglobin test is an important tool in diagnosis and management of various
medical conditions that are related to blood and oxygen levels.
Overview
of the Key Aspects of Hemoglobin Test
Importance
of Hemoglobin Test:
The test
is routinely performed as a part of the complete blood count (CBC) test to
check for various conditions such as anemia wherein the hemoglobin levels go
low or polycythemia wherein the hemoglobin levels increase significantly.
Abnormal hemoglobin levels are indicative of various health conditions such as
anemia caused due to iron deficiency, chronic diseases or genetic conditions.
High level can be indicative of polycythemia Vera which is a disorder caused
when the bone marrow produces excess red blood cells.
Procedure:
● No
special preparation is required for the test and patients can eat or drink
normally before the test.
● The
test is performed by a trained healthcare provider or phlebotomist who will tie
a tourniquet to the arm to make the veins more visible.
● The
healthcare provider will then clean the area with antiseptic and then insert a
needle in the vein in the arm to collect blood.
● The
blood sample is collected in specialised tubes which are lined with
anticoagulants to keep the blood sample in proper condition.
● A
small cotton pad or gauze will be then placed on the puncture wound to prevent
bleeding.
● The
blood sample is then sent to laboratory for analysis and the technicians then
measure the level of haemoglobin in the blood.
● Once
the analysis is done, the healthcare provider will interpret the results and
discuss with the patient regarding any further testing or analysis that may be
required.
Benefits:
● Relatively
quick, painless, non-invasive, and safe
● Early
and accurate detection of anemia and other hemoglobin related disorders
● Provides
insights into overall health and well-being of the patient
● Helps
in monitoring changes in the blood parameters enabling healthcare providers
identify any underlying risks or disorders
● Enables
accurate evaluation of oxygen-carrying capacity
● Helps
in determining blood disorders such as bleeding disorder, sickle cell anemia,
and thalassemia among others
● Helps
in identifying early detection of various diseases and guide treatments
Patients must inform their healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies they might be taking as some medications can interfere with the levels of hemoglobin during blood drawing. Patients must wear comfortable clothes to allow easy access to veins in the arm for blood drawing process. Patients must also inform their healthcare provider if they are on blood-thinners as it might lead to excessive bleeding during the blood drawing process. If pregnant, patients must inform their healthcare provider as pregnancy might influence the levels of hemoglobin in the blood.
