Hemoglobin
Background
- Oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells
- Reported on CBC; hemoglobin and hematocrit move in parallel
Normal Values
- Male: 13.5-17.5 g/dL
- Female: 12.0-16.0 g/dL
Interpretation
- Low hemoglobin (anemia): blood loss, hemolysis, decreased production, or dilution
- In acute hemorrhage, hemoglobin may be initially normal (dilution has not yet occurred); it does not drop until volume equilibration over 6-24 hours
- Transfusion threshold in most ED patients: Hgb <7 g/dL; consider <8 g/dL for active coronary syndrome[1]
- Elevated hemoglobin (polycythemia): dehydration, chronic hypoxia, polycythemia vera
See Also
References
- ↑ Carson JL, et al. Clinical practice guidelines from the AABB: red blood cell transfusion thresholds and storage. JAMA. 2016; 316(19):2025-2035. PMID 27732721.