Hb

Specimen Required

3cc EDTA BLOOD (CBC VIAL)

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

If you have anaemia (too few red blood cells) or polycythaemia (too many red blood cells), to assess its severity, and to monitor response to treatment

When this test is required

Haemoglobin measurement is part of the full blood count (FBC) (which is requested for many different reasons), especially when your doctor suspects anaemia, and sometimes as part of a general health screen). It is often requested before operations to make sure you are fit for surgery and do not require a transfusion. The test is also repeated when monitoring bleeding or response to treatment of various anaemias.

What the Test Detects

This test measures the amount of haemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells) in your blood and is a good indication of your blood’s ability to carry oxygen throughout your body. Haemoglobin carries oxygen to cells from the lungs. If your haemoglobin levels are low, you have anaemia, a condition in which your body is not getting enough oxygen, causing fatigue and weakness. If your haemoglobin levels are high, this usually means you have too many red cells which is called polycythaemia. Polycythaemia, when severe, can cause the blood to become too viscous (thick), potentially leading to heart failure, heart attacks or strokes.How is the sample collected for testing?A blood sample is collected by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm or by a finger-prick (for children and adults) or heel-prick (for newborns).Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?Ideally you should be reasonably hydrated when having a haemoglobin test or the result may be inaccurately high.See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Test

Ideally you should be reasonably hydrated when having a haemoglobin test or the result may be inaccurately high.

Sample Requirements

A blood sample collected from a vein in your arm or by a finger-prick (children and adults) or heel-prick (newborns)

Additional Notes

Haemoglobin concentration decreases slightly during normal pregnancy.Haemoglobin levels peak around 8 a.m. and are lowest around 8 p.m. each day.Heavy smokers have higher haemoglobin levels than non-smokers.Living in high altitudes increases haemoglobin values. This is your body’s response to the decreased oxygen available at these heights.Haemoglobin levels are slightly lower in older men and women and in children.

Selected Tests

Hb