Hemoglobin (Hb) Test

What Does the Haemoglobin (Hb) Test Measure?

The haemoglobin test measures the concentration of oxygen-carrying protein in your blood, providing valuable insights about your health:

• Assess overall health: Often included in routine health checkups as part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC).
• Screen for medical conditions: Primary screening tool for blood disorders, especially different types of anaemia.
• Diagnose medical conditions: Helps determine if symptoms like fatigue or weakness are caused by low haemoglobin.
• Monitor treatment progress: Tracks how well treatments for anaemia or other blood conditions are working.
• Evaluate nutritional deficiencies: Detect deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, or folate.

• Guide medical decisions: Helps doctors decide if treatments like iron supplements or blood transfusions are needed.

Haemoglobin (Hb) Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for a Haemoglobin (Hb) Test?

Your doctor might recommend a haemoglobin test if you experience symptoms related to abnormal haemoglobin levels:

• Persistent weakness and fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pale skin, gums, or nail beds
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Cold hands and feet
• Headaches and difficulty concentrating
• Blurred vision or excessive sweating (in cases of high haemoglobin)

Who Should Get a Haemoglobin (Hb) Test?

Several groups of people benefit from regular haemoglobin testing:

• Patients with symptoms: Anyone experiencing signs of anaemia or blood disorders.
• Pregnant women: Anaemia is common during pregnancy, making this a routine part of prenatal care.
• People with dietary restrictions: Those following strict vegetarian or vegan diets may be at risk for iron deficiency.
• Individuals with chronic conditions: Patients with kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders.
• High-risk individuals: Those with a family history of blood disorders like thalaessemia.

• Routine health monitoring: Part of annual checkups for people of all ages.

Why Is a Haemoglobin (Hb) Test Done?

A haemoglobin test evaluates your blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout your body. It serves as a crucial diagnostic tool for identifying blood-related disorders and monitoring treatment effectiveness.

Importance of a Haemoglobin (Hb) Test

The haemoglobin test is clinically significant because it provides crucial information about your blood health through a simple, reliable procedure. It serves as an important screening tool that helps doctors identify potential health issues early.

This test is essential for diagnosing various types of anaemia and monitoring how well your body responds to treatments. By tracking haemoglobin levels over time, doctors can make informed decisions about your care, adjust treatments as needed, and ensure your body is getting an adequate oxygen supply for optimal function.

Haemoglobin (Hb) Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book a Haemoglobin (Hb) Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select 'Haemoglobin (Hb) Test', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL- & CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for Haemoglobin (Hb) Test Available Near You?

Yes, home sample collection for the haemoglobin test is widely available across India through Metropolis Healthcare. Our trained phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, ensuring safe and hygienic blood sample collection. Your sample is handled with care and processed at our NABL- & CAP-accredited laboratories for accurate, reliable results you can trust.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Haemoglobin (Hb) Test Report?

Reports are usually available within 4 hours once the sample reaches the lab.

Where Can I See or Get the Haemoglobin (Hb) Test Results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting Haemoglobin (Hb) Test Results

What Your Haemoglobin (Hb) Test Results May Indicate

The following table helps you understand what your haemoglobin test results mean:

Conditions that May Affect Haemoglobin (Hb) Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your haemoglobin test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• Dehydration: It can cause falsely elevated readings by concentrating blood components.
• Iron supplements: May increase haemoglobin levels and affect baseline measurements.
• Blood loss: Recent bleeding, including heavy menstrual periods, can lower readings.
• Altitude changes: High-altitude living naturally increases haemoglobin production.
• Smoking: Can elevate haemoglobin levels due to reduced oxygen availability.
• Pregnancy: Natural blood volume changes can affect haemoglobin concentration.
• Recent blood transfusion: Can artificially elevate haemoglobin levels temporarily.

How Is a Haemoglobin (Hb) Test Done?

The haemoglobin test involves a simple blood collection procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals:

• The phlebotomist cleans the area on your arm with an antiseptic wipe.
• An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make veins more visible.
• A small, sterile needle is inserted into a vein to draw blood into a vial.
• The needle is removed, and a cotton ball or bandage is applied to stop bleeding.
• Your blood sample is processed using automated cell counters for accurate results.

How Should You Prepare for a Haemoglobin (Hb) Test?

Preparing for a haemoglobin test is straightforward and requires minimal preparation:

• No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.

• Continue medications: Take your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Inform about medications: Tell your doctor about iron supplements or medications you're taking.
• Wear comfortable clothing: Choose clothes with sleeves that can be easily rolled up.

Diseases that a Haemoglobin (Hb) Test Can Help Detect

The haemoglobin test serves as a screening tool for various health conditions affecting your blood:

• Iron deficiency anaemia: The most common type of anaemia worldwide.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia: Caused by inadequate vitamin B12 absorption
• Folate deficiency anaemia: Results from insufficient folate in the diet.
• Chronic disease anaemia: Associated with kidney disease, cancer, or inflammatory conditions.
• Thalassaemia: Inherited blood disorders are common in certain populations.
• Sickle cell anaemia: A genetic condition affecting haemoglobin structure.
• Polycythaemia vera: A condition causing excessive red blood cell production.
• Blood loss anaemia: Due to internal bleeding or heavy menstrual periods.

Haemoglobin (Hb) Tests/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

Metropolis Healthcare offers comprehensive testing options that include haemoglobin measurement along with related health assessments:

HbA1c Test: https://www.metropolisindia.com/parameter/diabetes-hba1c-or-glycated-haemoglobin-test
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test: https://www.metropolisindia.com/parameter/cbc-haemogram
Anaemia Profile Test - Maxi: https://www.metropolisindia.com/parameter/anaemia-profile-maxi

Haemoglobin (Hb) Test Prices in Different Cities

The haemoglobin test price may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities.