Hemoglobin (Hgb) is the red blood cell pigment that carries oxygen. It consists of amino acids that form a single protein called globulin and a compound called heme. Heme contains iron atoms and red porphyrin pigment. Each erythrocyte contains about 300 million molecules of hemoglobin
Hemoglobin measurement is part of the Complete Blood Count
What Do Pathological Values Mean?
- Increase: Burns (severe), congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dehydration, diarrhea, erythrocytosis, hemoconcentration, high altitude living, intestinal obstruction, polycythemia vera. Medications: gentamicin, methyldopa, pentoxifylline.
- Decrease: Andersen's disease, anemia (iron deficiency), carcinomatosis, liver cirrhosis, cystic fibrosis, fatty embolism, fatty liver, fluid retention, hemolysis, hemolytic reaction to chemicals or medicines or implants, Hodgkin's disease, hydremia of pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, hypervitaminosis A, hypothyroidism, idiopathic steatorrhea, intravenous fluid overload, leukemia, lymphoma, platelet removal, pregnancy, renal cortical necrosis, sarcoidosis, severe bleeding, systemic lupus erythematosus, tetralogy of Fallot, incompatible blood transfusion. Medications: antibiotics, antineoplastic drugs, aspirin, hydantoin derivatives, indomethacin, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, primaquine, rifampicin, sulfonamides, zidovudine (AZT).
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
