Insight into your haemoglobin level.
Haemoglobin is the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. A test gives insight into your haemoglobin level, the value that is looked at when the question is whether there is anaemia.
Also known as: Hb, hemoglobin, haemoglobin level
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Background
What is haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin is the iron-containing protein in your red blood cells. It binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it again in the tissues, and it gives blood its red colour. Your bone marrow produces haemoglobin continuously. Building blocks are needed for this, including iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid.
The haemoglobin value indicates how much haemoglobin is present per litre of blood. If that value is too low, this is what is commonly called anaemia. Important to know: the value itself says nothing about the cause. Haemoglobin is therefore best viewed alongside the size of the red blood cells (MCV) and alongside your iron stores, and where relevant alongside vitamin B12 and folic acid. A blood count or iron panel therefore often gives more direction than haemoglobin alone.
In brief
Oxygen transport
Binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it in the tissue
Building blocks
Production requires iron, B12 and folic acid among others
Anaemia
A value that is too low is what that term refers to
Not a cause
MCV, ferritin and B12 give direction to an abnormal value
This marker is also included in
Testing several values in a single draw takes one blood collection and gives a more complete picture. The choice is yours.
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your Haemoglobin be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring Haemoglobin can provide insight.
Insight into your haemoglobin
A test shows how much haemoglobin is present in your blood, the core value when the question is about anaemia.
Together with ferritin
Haemoglobin shows the current level, ferritin the iron stores. The stores can already have decreased while the haemoglobin is still holding up.
With persistent fatigue
Fatigue is one of the reasons people have their haemoglobin measured. The value is then best interpreted alongside ferritin.
With blood loss or donation
Heavy menstruation or regular blood donation asks more of production. A test gives insight into your current level.
With a plant-based diet
Those who eat few or no animal products obtain iron and vitamin B12 from other sources. A test gives insight into the level.
Tracking a value over time
For haemoglobin the development is often more informative than a single measurement. Re-testing makes a change visible.
What your result means
Haemoglobin too low or too high: what does your result mean?
In the Netherlands haemoglobin is measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L), internationally often in grams per decilitre (g/dL). The laboratory states the reference values that apply there alongside your result; these differ between men and women, among other factors. A haemoglobin value says something about the level at that moment, not about the cause of an abnormal result.
A low value
A haemoglobin below the laboratory's reference values is what is commonly called anaemia. That is a finding, not a diagnosis. The cause may lie in a shortage of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid, in blood loss, or in a condition that affects the production or breakdown of red blood cells. The size of the red blood cells (MCV) and your ferritin help to determine that direction. Our doctor explains what your value means and whether follow-up via your GP is customary.
A normal value
A haemoglobin within the laboratory's reference values gives a reassuring picture for this marker at this moment. It does not rule out low iron stores: the body keeps haemoglobin up for a long time while the stores are already decreasing. Ferritin gives additional insight into that.
An elevated value
An elevated haemoglobin is often explained by a temporary shortage of fluid, which makes the blood more concentrated. Smoking and prolonged stays at high altitude also go together with a higher level. If the value remains elevated when re-tested in a well-hydrated state, this may point to increased production of red blood cells. A single measurement is not a diagnosis. Our doctor explains what your value means and whether a repeat test or follow-up via your GP is customary.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your haemoglobin against the laboratory's reference values and your personal context, such as age, diet, blood loss, medication use and any known conditions.
Related tests
Often combined with Haemoglobin.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine Haemoglobin with a theme package or related markers.
+ €29 blood draw fee per orderFree from €225
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Is haemoglobin the same as anaemia?
Not quite. Haemoglobin is the value that is measured. If that value lies below the laboratory's reference values, we speak of anaemia. That is a finding and not yet an explanation: the cause can differ considerably and usually calls for more than the haemoglobin alone.
What is the difference between haemoglobin and ferritin?
Haemoglobin shows how much oxygen-carrying protein is in your blood now. Ferritin reflects the iron stores in your body. Those stores can already have decreased considerably while the haemoglobin is still holding up, which is why both values are usually assessed together for questions about iron.
Do I need to fast for a haemoglobin test?
No, you do not need to fast for haemoglobin. Do drink water normally. With significant dehydration the blood is more concentrated and the value can turn out temporarily higher.
Should I order haemoglobin alone or is a blood count more useful?
Ordering it alone is possible. We do mention honestly that the Blood count package contains several values for the same price, including the cell size (MCV). Those extra values are exactly what helps to interpret an abnormal haemoglobin. If you only want to follow the bare value, for example alongside an earlier measurement, the single determination serves you well.
Does exercise affect my result?
It can. With intensive endurance training the plasma volume increases, which dilutes the haemoglobin and makes it turn out lower without there being a deficiency. Preferably test at rest, and not directly after a heavy effort.
I donate blood regularly, is this determination useful?
Donating blood regularly asks more of the production of red blood cells and of your iron stores. A haemoglobin measurement gives insight into the current level. For a picture of the stores, ferritin is the marker of choice alongside it.
How often can I have this measured?
A single measurement is enough for initial insight. If an earlier value was abnormal, or you are following a change in diet, supplementation or blood loss, re-testing after a few months is customary. Our doctor advises on this with your result.
What do I do with my result?
You receive a PDF report with your value and a personal explanation from a doctor. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP, remains entirely your choice.
In the Health Guide
Read more about this value
Ready for insight into your haemoglobin?
You receive your haemoglobin level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within 2 working days. No referral required.
Order Haemoglobin →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine Haemoglobin with other markers via Bloodworks Select. The blood draw and collection fee is charged once per order, and is waived from €225.
25,-
+ €29 blood draw fee+ €29 blood draw fee per order