Hospital Virtual Tour

Hemoglobin - Results

Alternative Names

Hgb; Hb

Normal Values:

Normal results vary, but in general are:

Male: 13.8 to 17.2 gm/dL
Female: 12.1 to 15.1 gm/dL

Note: gm/dL = grams per deciliter

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean:

Lower-than-normal hemoglobin may be due to:

Anemia (various types)
Bleeding
Erythropoietin deficiency (from kidney disease)
Lead poisoning
Malnutrition
Nutritional deficiencies of iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6
Overhydration
Red blood cell destruction associated with transfusion reaction

Higher-than-normal hemoglobin may be due to:

Congenital heart disease
Cor pulmonale
Increased red blood cells due to too much erythropoietin
Low blood oxygen levels
Pulmonary fibrosis
Polycythemia vera

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Hemoglobin

Reviewed last on: 2/13/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Zuckerman K. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 162.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)