Hemoglobin (Hb) Test
A hemoglobin (Hb) test is done to evaluate the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body’s tissues and organs, and it also helps carry carbon dioxide back to your lungs to be exhaled. This test is commonly used to:
- Check for Anemia: Anemia occurs when there's a decrease in the number of red blood cells or in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin levels can help diagnose and monitor various types of anemia.
- Monitor Health Conditions: Hemoglobin levels can be monitored in individuals with certain chronic conditions such as kidney disease, which can affect red blood cell production.
- Assess Overall Health: Hemoglobin levels can also be used as part of a routine health checkup to assess overall health and screen for any underlying health conditions.