Q. When should hemoglobin levels be tested?
Your doctor may suggest a hemoglobin test if you're experiencing weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness. This test helps diagnose an underlying medical condition.
Q. What is the difference between an Hb (Hemoglobin) test and HbA1c test?
A Hb test helps detect hemoglobin levels in your body, whereas an HbA1c test, also known as the glycosylated hemoglobin test, detects the average level of blood sugar over the last three months.
Q. How is an Hb (Hemoglobin) test performed?
A phlebotomist (a trained professional to perform blood draws) will clean your skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab, and draw blood from your vein using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the laboratory for analysis.
Q. Is there any risk associated with an Hb (Hemoglobin) test?
There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting while the needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely some people may experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.
Q. Can my hemoglobin be falsely raised?
High WBC count, high concentrations of lipids or plasma proteins, and increased turbidity may cause a factitiously elevated estimate of Hb
Q. Can a healthy diet help in keeping my hemoglobin levels near normal?
Yes, a well-balanced diet can help in keeping the hemoglobin levels normal since iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid are required for normal red cell production.
Q. What are the symptoms of anemia?
Many people having anemia are unaware of it and symptoms can be minor. The symptoms can be related to an underlying cause or the anemia itself. The symptoms of anemia usually include pale skin, weakness, shortness of breath, fainting, palpitations, chest pain, and restless legs syndrome. On examination, the signs that were experienced indicated pallor (pale skin, lining mucosa, conjunctiva, and nail beds), but this is not a reliable sign.
Q. What are the causes of anemia?
Anemia can be caused by impaired red blood cell (RBC) production, increased RBC destruction (hemolytic anemias), blood loss, and fluid overload (hypervolemia).
Q. What is iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It may occur due to insufficient dietary intake or inadequate absorption of iron in order to meet the body's needs. Infants, toddlers, and pregnant women have higher iron requirements than normal people. The increased iron requirement may also occur due to blood losses, frequent blood donations, or heavy menstrual periods. Worldwide, the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia is a parasitic worm infestation.
Q. What are the additional tests that may be advised in case of an abnormal test result?
Your doctor may order the following tests in case of abnormal results: transferrin, complete blood count, iron studies, serum transferrin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, protein total, and serum ferritin.