Overview
Haemoglobin is a tetrameric protein found within red blood cells, composed of a haem (iron-containing) molecule, two alpha and two beta globin subunits.
Haemoglobin transports oxygen and other molecules in the blood.
Normal Range
- Males: 130 - 180 g/L
- Females: 115 - 165 g/L
Interpretation
- Reduced serum haemoglobin - suggests anaemia
- Increased serum haemoglobin - suggests relative or absolute erythrocytosis
Haematocrit or Haemoglobin?
Haematocrit and haemoglobin values are often used interchangeably. The haematocrit : haemoglobin ratio is often stable and usually approximately 0.3.
Serum haemoglobin concentration is a better marker of anaemia because it more directly reflects the blood's ability to transport oxygen.
Discrepancies in the haematocrit : haemoglobin ratio occur most commonly in the presence of abnormal red blood cell morphology, and the blood smear should be examined when this is the case.
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