What is Hemoglobin Blood test – Why it’s done, Procedure and Normal Test Range

Hemoglobin makes for one of the most essential components of the blood that aids in the transportation of food and oxygen to different parts of the body. A deviation in the level of hemoglobin present in the blood causes the onset of many conditions and diseases. In order to keep a check on the levels, it’s essential to get a hemoglobin blood test done at regular intervals. 

A hemoglobin blood test reveals whether the hemoglobin levels are lower than normal or higher in value. In any case, many body parts start to dysfunction and pave way for related conditions to pop up. 

Why is hemoglobin Test done?

The test is usually recommended to check the following conditions:-

• Overall health of the patient
• Diagnose a medical condition related to RBCs, overall blood composition, etc.
• Monitor the condition of a patient undergoing a medical treatment such as chemotherapy, etc.

How is the Test Performed?

Being a kind of blood test, a sample of blood is extracted from one of the veins of the body, usually from the one visible near the elbow or the back of the hand, though a vein puncture process. The blood is carefully stored in sterilized test tube which is then sent to the hematology laboratory for the purpose of examination and analysis. 

Minimally invasive in nature, the risk factors associated with a blood test are negligible. However, in rare cases, a patient may feel itchy, witness slight bruising at the site of puncture, or even see a bump develop there. These side effects, though disappear after a while. In rarest or rare cases, a patient may acquire a disease if the lab technician uses a needle that’s infected or contaminated.

Who offers this test service?

All the leading medical houses and pathology labs in the nation offer a hemoglobin blood test service. Many health checkup packages in Faridabad and other cities of India, offered by diagnostic chains, include a hemoglobin test. Opting for such packages is a good idea as it helps in mapping one’s overall health and see if he/she is prone to the risk of developing a potential disease in the coming future. The hemoglobin blood test cost is quite reasonable. 

How to Understand Test Results?

Hemoglobin blood test normal range for men falls between 13.5 and 17.5 grams per deciliter. Whereas in case of women it is 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter. Normal range in case of children depends upon a number of factors, including age and sex.