what's a hemoglobin test

A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. This test is often part of a routine blood test called a complete blood count (CBC).

Key Uses of a Hemoglobin Test:

• Diagnose Anemia: Low hemoglobin levels may indicate anemia.
• Monitor Chronic Conditions: It helps track conditions like kidney disease or diabetes.
• Evaluate Overall Health: It’s used to check for infections, blood disorders, or nutritional deficiencies.

Normal Hemoglobin Levels:

Group Normal Range (g/dL)

Adult Men 13.8–17.2
Adult Women 12.1–15.1
Children Varies by age

If your hemoglobin levels are abnormal, your doctor may recommend further testing to determine the cause.