Hemoglobin (Hgb)
Hemoglobin is the protein component of red blood cells that serves as a vehicle for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport. It is composed of a pigment (heme) which carries iron, and a protein (globin). The hemoglobin test is a measure of the total amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
Normal values chart for hemoglobin count:
- Male adult: 14 – 16.5 g/dL
- Female adult: 12 – 16 g/dL
Indications of Hemoglobin count:
- Hemoglobin count is indicated to help measure the severity of anemia (low hemoglobin) or polycythemia (high hemoglobin).
- Monitor the effectiveness of a therapeutic regimen.