Haemoglobin (HB) in Dehradun

What is a Haemoglobin (HB)?

Haemoglobin is the iron-containing protein packed inside red blood cells that binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it to every tissue in the body. The measurement tells you how much oxygen-carrying capacity your blood actually has, which is why it is the defining test for anaemia. When haemoglobin falls, tissues get less oxygen and the body compensates by raising the heart rate and breathing harder, producing the familiar picture of tiredness, breathlessness on stairs, palpitations, poor concentration, pale skin and brittle nails. Anaemia is a finding, not a diagnosis, and the cause matters enormously: iron deficiency from poor intake, heavy periods or gut blood loss is the commonest in India, but vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, thalassaemia trait, chronic disease and kidney disease all cause it too. That is why a low haemoglobin is followed up with the red-cell indices from the CBC, which indicate whether cells are small and pale, suggesting iron deficiency, or large, suggesting B12 or folate, and then with iron studies or a haemoglobin variant analysis as appropriate. A raised haemoglobin is less common and usually reflects dehydration, though smoking, sleep apnoea, living at altitude and certain blood disorders also raise it.

Why take this test?

A haemoglobin test is advised for tiredness that does not resolve with rest, breathlessness on mild exertion, palpitations, dizziness, headaches, pale skin or persistent hair fall. It is essential in pregnancy, where anaemia is both common and consequential for mother and baby and is checked repeatedly through antenatal care. Women with heavy or prolonged periods should have it checked periodically, as should anyone with a diagnosed gut condition, coeliac disease, kidney disease, or a diet low in iron. It is standard before any planned surgery, and it is the number tracked to confirm that iron or B12 treatment is actually working, which typically takes several weeks to show. Anaemia is strikingly common in India, particularly among women and adolescent girls, and it is frequently dismissed as ordinary tiredness for years before anyone tests for it.

• Persistent tiredness, weakness or breathlessness on exertion
• Palpitations, dizziness or unusually pale skin
• Pregnancy, and repeat checks through antenatal care
• Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
• Before planned surgery
• Monitoring iron, B12 or folate treatment

Normal reference ranges

Ranges are indicative for adults. Your report carries the lab-specific reference range and is reviewed by a LabONE pathologist; always interpret results with your doctor.

FAQs: Haemoglobin (HB) in Dehradun