Blood Hemoglobin II: A clinician's request for hemoglobin concentration test.

Last week, we talked over the various roles hemoglobin plays in our bodies. We also discussed the most important building blocks — folate and iron— needed by the body for the production of hemoglobin, and measures an individual can put in place to boost the production of hemoglobin. In this post, we'll take a close look at why your doctor may request for this test and what your test results may mean.

What is the essence of a request for blood hemoglobin concentration test?

There are two main reasons why your doctor may want to know your blood hemoglobin concentration:

1. To diagnose medical conditions, such as anemia and polycythemia.

Anemia is basically a clinical condition characterized by the decreased production of red blood cells; the cells may also be produced in adequate numbers, but may contain defective hemoglobin and thereby, rendered dysfunctional. As you may guess, this will lead to inadequate supply of oxygen to tissues in body, and consequently result in weakness and exhaustion; an individual with anemia may also be short of breath and dizzy.

Polycythemia is a medical condition caused by excess production of red blood cells which results in increased hemoglobin concentration. This condition may result in blood clots or high blood pressure — which can be fatal.

2. To monitor a patient's response to treatment of anemia or polycythemia.

What is your blood hemoglobin concentration result saying?

According to Mayo Clinic, the normal range for hemoglobin concentration in males is 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter, and in females, 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter. Anemia is diagnosed when the concentration of hemoglobin is lower than 13.5 grams per deciliter in males, and lower than 12.0 grams per deciliter in females.

If your test result shows a concentration higher than 17.5 grams per deciliter in males and 15.5 grams per deciliter in females, it is indicative of polycythemia.

Your doctor will discuss treatment plans with you based on the underlying cause of anemia or polycythemia.

To summarize, your doctor will request for this test in order to diagnose a state of anemia or polycythemia; a visit to your medical laboratory scientist is needed to measure your blood hemoglobin concentration. The next post will inform you on how to prepare for the test and what to expect when you visit the laboratory.