What Is HB?
Hemoglobin, abbreviated Hb or Hgb, Is the iron-containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in red blood cells of almost all vertebrates as well as the tissues of some invertebrates. Hemoglobin in blood carries oxygen from the respiratory organs to the rest of the body.
A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen to your body’s organs and tissues and transports carbon dioxide from your organs and tissues back to your lungs.
If a hemoglobin test reveals that your hemoglobin level is lower than normal, it means you have a low red blood cell count (anemia). Anemia can have many different causes, including vitamin deficiencies, bleeding and chronic diseases.
What Is HB Normal?
The healthy range for hemoglobin is: For men, 13.2 to 16.6 grams per deciliter. For women, 11.6 to 15 grams per deciliter.
What Causes Hemoglobin To Drop?
Bleeding in your digestive tract, such as from ulcers, cancers or hemorrhoids. Frequent blood donation. Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) (heavy menstrual bleeding-although even normal menstrual bleeding may cause a slightly low hemoglobin count)
What Happens When Your HB Is Low?
Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause.
At What Level Is Hemoglobin Dangerously Low?
Normal hemoglobin levels are different for men and women. For men, a normal level ranges between 14.0 grams per deciliter (gm/dL) and 17.5 gm/dL. For women, a normal level ranges between 12.3 gm/dL and 15.3 gm/dL. A severe low hemoglobin level for men is 13.5 gm/dL or lower. For women, a severe low hemoglobin level is 12 gm/dL.
How Can I Increase My HB Fast?
How to increase hemoglobin:
- Meat and fish.
- Soy products, including tofu and edamame.
- Eggs.
- Dried fruits, such as dates and figs.
- Broccoli.
- Green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach.
- Green beans.
- Nuts and seeds.
What Does It Mean When HB Is High?
A high hemoglobin count occurs most commonly when your body requires an increased oxygen-carrying capacity, usually because: You smoke. You live at a high altitude and your red blood cell production naturally increases to compensate for the lower oxygen supply there.
How Long Does It Take To Raise HB?
In general, patients with iron deficient anemia should manifest a response to iron with reticulocytosis in three to seven days, followed by an increase in hemoglobin in 2-4 weeks.
Why HB Done:
You may have a hemoglobin test for several reasons:
- To check your overall health. Your doctor may test your hemoglobin as part of a complete blood count during a routine medical examination to monitor your general health and to screen for a variety of disorders, such as anemia.
- To diagnose a medical condition. Your doctor may suggest a hemoglobin test if you’re experiencing weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness. These signs and symptoms may point to anemia or polycythemia vera. A hemoglobin test may help diagnose these or other medical conditions.
- To monitor a medical condition. If you’ve been diagnosed with anemia or polycythemia vera, your doctor may use a hemoglobin test to monitor your condition and guide treatment.
HB Prices In Ghana:
The cost HB in Ghana will cost around GHc 250.00 to GHc 350.00…!!!