The Hgb blood test is a useful lab test that helps doctors determine if a patient has anemia or other medical condition. Find out how the Hgb blood test helps doctors diagnose and treat their patients.
The Hgb blood test is an important laboratory test that helps to determine if a patient is anemic or has other medical problems. This test is often done as a part of the complete blood count panel, which also measures the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The complete blood count is a common medical test and is used for a number of reasons.
Hgb Blood Test Purpose
The purpose of the Hgb blood test depends on the patient in question. Sometimes, this is ordered as a part of a complete blood count that is done for health screening purposes. Patients who have clotthing disorders or known anemia may also have the Hgb blood test done on a regular basis. Those who are reporting symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, can have the Hgb blood test to determine if they are anemic or require further testing.
When the Hgb blood test is ordered, it can measure how severe anemia is; monitor the body's response to treatment for anemia; and help doctors decide how to treat anemia that has not been responding well to other remedies. One of the main uses for the Hgb blood test in people who are known to have anemia is to help determine if a patient needs a blood transfusion. In these cases, time is critical, so using the Hgb blood test can help doctors rule out other options quickly.
Hgb Blood Test Results
The results of the Hgb blood test can help your doctor determine if further testing is needed, or help to make treatment decisions. High hemoglobin levels can be due to lung disease, dehydration, or excess red blood cell production. Low hemoglobin levels can be the result of a number of medical conditions including iron deficiency, sickle cell anemia, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and cancers that affect the body's bone marrow.
There are some things that can affect the results of the Hgb blood test. The time of the test can affect your result, as hemoglobin levels are at their highest in the morning. Smokers are also known to have higher levels of hemoglobin than those who do not smoke. Other factors that can affect the results of an Hgb blood test include age, gender, and altitiude of where a patient lives.
Hgb Blood Test Reference Materials
Lab Tests Online. "Hemoglobin: The Test." Retrieved January 31, 2009. Available: Lab Tests Online