Hemoglobin Blood Test - More Information

The hemoglobin test, sometimes known as a hemoglobin lab test, Hgb test, Hgb blood test, and an Hb test, measures the hemoglobin blood level.

Hemoglobin is a common protein in the body that contains iron and plays a vital role in the body. Making up a good part of a red blood cell, hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Hemoglobin picks up oxygen in the lungs, facilitated by the breathing process, and transports it in the bloodstream to cells and tissues. At the tissue level, hemoglobin releases any bound oxygen which then diffuses into tissues for use at the cellular level. Each hemoglobin molecule can bind up to four oxygen molecules at one time.

The hemoglobin test is an important component of the CBC test. Hemoglobin testing is also performed as a broad screening test for anemia although people who want a more detailed anemia screen will get the anemia test panel.

To get a hemoglobin test near you, just order online and get your blood drawn at the Quest Diagnostics lab. Once your hemoglobin lab report is ready, it will be available for download. As can be seen on the sample hemoglobin lab results above, the hemoglobin blood level is reported as a number which can be compared against the reference range provided by the lab.