Type of test Blood

Normal findings

 Male: 14-18 g/dL or 8.7-11.2 mmol/L (SI units)

Female: 12-16 g/dL or 7.4-9.9 mmol/L (SI units)

Pregnant female: > 11 g/dL

Elderly: values are slightly decreased

 Children:

 Newborn: 14-24 g/dL , 0-2 weeks: 12-20 g/dL , 2-6 months: 10-17 g/dL

6 months-1 year: 9.5-14 g/dL , 1-6 years: 9.5-14 g/dL , 6-18 years: 10-15.5 g/dL

Possible critical values

 < 5.0 g/dL or > 20 g/dL

 Test explanation and related physiology

The Hgb concentration is a measure of the total amount of Hgb in the peripheral blood, which reflects the number of RBCs in the blood. The test is normally performed as part of a complete blood count.

The Hct in percentage points usually is approximately three times the Hgb concentration in grams per deciliter when RBCs are of normal size and contain normal amounts of Hgb. Abnormal values indicate the same pathologic states as abnormal RBC counts and Hct concentrations . Decreased levels indicate anemia (reduced number of RBCs). Increased levels can indicate erythrocytosis. In addition, however, changes in plasma volume are more accurately reflected by the Hgb concentration. Slight decreases in the values of Hgb and the Hct during pregnancy reflect both the expanded blood volume caused by a chronic state of overhydration and an increased number of RBCs. Hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease and Hgb C disease, are also associated with reduced Hgb levels.

Interfering factors

• Slight Hgb decreases normally occur during pregnancy because of the expanded blood volume.

 • Living in high-altitude areas causes high Hgb values.

• Heavy smokers have higher levels than nonsmokers.

* Drugs that may cause increased levels include gentamicin and methyldopa.

* Drugs that may cause decreased levels include antibiotics, antineoplastic drugs, aspirin, indomethacin, and rifampin.

 Procedure and patient care

• See inside front cover for Routine Blood Testing.

• Fasting: no

• Blood tube commonly used: lavender

Abnormal findings

 Increased levels

 -Congenital heart disease

 -Polycythemia vera

 -Hemoconcentration of the blood

- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

 -Congestive heart failure

- High altitudes

 -Severe burns

 -Dehydration

Decreased levels

 -Anemia

 -Hemorrhage

 -Hemolysis

 -Hemoglobinopathies

 -Nutritional deficiency

 -Lymphoma

 -Systemic lupus erythematosus

 - Sarcoidosis

 - Kidney disease

 - Chronic hemorrhage

 - Splenomegaly

 - Neoplasia

مواضيع ذات صلة

homocysteine (Hcy)

HIV serologic and virologic testing

HIV RNA quantification (HIV viral load)

Molecules involved in Lipoprotein metabolism

Lipoproteins

Retinol Binding Protein

Direct Visualization Of The Organism

Direct Detection Methods for Bacillus and Similar Organisms

HIV drug resistance testing (HIV genotype)

herpes simplex (Herpesvirus types 1 and 2, Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 [HSV 1, HSV 2], Herpes genitalis)

hepatitis virus studies

Biomarkers of Nutritional Status