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privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. How you prepareIf your blood sample is being tested only for hemoglobin, you can eat and drink normally before the test. If your blood sample will be used for other tests, you may need to fast for a certain amount of time before the sample is taken. Your doctor will give you specific instructions. What you can expectFor a hemoglobin test, a member of your health care team takes a sample of blood by pricking your fingertip or inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. For infants, the sample may be obtained by pricking the heel. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. You can return to your usual activities immediately after the sample is taken. ResultsThe healthy range for hemoglobin is:
Healthy ranges for children vary with age and sex. The range for a healthy hemoglobin level may differ slightly from one medical practice to another. Lower than normal resultsIf your hemoglobin level is lower than normal, you have anemia. There are many forms of anemia, each with different causes, which can include:
If you've been previously diagnosed with anemia, a hemoglobin level that's lower than normal may indicate a need to alter your treatment plan. Higher than normal resultsIf your hemoglobin level is higher than normal, it may be the result of:
If you've been previously diagnosed with polycythemia vera, an elevated hemoglobin level may indicate a need to alter your treatment plan. If your hemoglobin level is below or above normal, your doctor may want to evaluate the hemoglobin test results along with those of other tests, or additional tests may be necessary, to determine next steps. For specifics about what your hemoglobin test results mean, talk to your doctor. Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Feb. 11, 2022 Which of the following is the consequence of increased hemoglobin in the blood?High hemoglobin levels
In polycythemia, the body makes too many red blood cells, causing the blood to be thicker than usual. This can lead to clots, heart attacks, and stroke.
Which of the following would result in a higher than normal hemoglobin content?Higher than normal results
If your hemoglobin level is higher than normal, it may be the result of: Polycythemia vera — a blood disorder in which your bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. Lung disease. Dehydration.
What to do if hemoglobin is not increasing?Normal cell numbers with low cellular hemoglobin means you may not have enough iron, vitamin B12, or folate, all of which are necessary for your bone marrow to make RBCs. Low iron levels can also be from blood loss, for example from monthly periods. Replacing these nutrients usually fixes the anemia easily.
What causes low hemoglobin levels?Not getting enough iron in your diet is the most common cause of low hemoglobin. Symptoms of low hemoglobin include headaches, fatigue, and pale skin. Treatments for low hemoglobin include iron supplements, iron therapy, and surgery. Adding more iron-rich foods to your diet is also important.
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