Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is the major protein of erythrocytes and transports oxygen from the lungs to peripheral tissues. It is measured by spectrophotometry on automated instruments after hemolysis of red cells and conversion of all hemoglobin to cyanmethemoglobin.

Normal Range: 
Male: 13.6-17.5 
Female: 12.0-15.5

Hemoglobin is increased in: Hemoconcentration (as in dehydration, burns, vomiting), polycythemia, extreme physical exercise, heavy smoking (due to presence of nonfunctional carboxyhemoglobin).

 

Hemoglobin is decreased in: Anemia: macrocytic (liver disease, hypothyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency), normocytic anemia (early iron deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, hemolytic anemia, acute hemorrhage) and microcytic anemia (iron deficiency, thalassemia). 

 

Additional: Hypertriglyceridemia and very high WBC counts can cause false elevations of Hgb.