A haemoglobin (Hb) test measures the amount of haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, in your blood. It is the main test for anaemia. Normal haemoglobin is about 13–17 g/dL for adult men and 12–15 g/dL for adult women. Levels below 13 g/dL in men or 12 g/dL in women indicate anaemia.
What does the haemoglobin test measure?
Haemoglobin (also spelt hemoglobin) is the iron-rich protein inside red blood cells that picks up oxygen in your lungs and delivers it to every tissue. When haemoglobin is low, your organs get less oxygen, which is why anaemia causes tiredness, breathlessness on climbing stairs, dizziness, pale skin and difficulty concentrating.
Anaemia is one of India’s most widespread health problems. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), more than half of Indian women aged 15–49 and about a quarter of men in the same age group are anaemic. Many working adults live with mild anaemia for years, assuming their tiredness is just stress or long hours. The most common causes are:
- Iron deficiency, from low dietary iron, poor absorption, heavy periods or pregnancy.
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, particularly in vegetarians.
- Blood loss, for example from piles, ulcers or heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Inherited conditions such as thalassaemia trait, relatively common in parts of India.
- Chronic illness such as kidney disease.
Hb is reported within a CBC, but it can also be booked on its own as a quick check, for example to track improvement on iron tablets.
Haemoglobin normal range
Moderate 8.0–10.9
Severe below 8.0 g/dL
Moderate 8.0–10.9
Severe below 8.0 g/dL
Where does your result fall?
Enter your Haemoglobin value from your report. For adults who are not pregnant.
A general guide, not a diagnosis. The reference range on your own report takes priority, and a doctor should interpret any result outside it.
Levels are naturally slightly higher in smokers and people living at high altitude. Ranges vary between labs and methods. Always compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report.
What abnormal results can mean
- Low haemoglobin: Indicates anaemia. A CBC with red cell indices, plus iron studies or B12 tests, helps find the cause.
- High haemoglobin: Can occur with smoking, dehydration, high altitude, long-term lung disease, or rarely a bone marrow condition.
Do not start iron supplements without knowing the cause; your doctor will advise the right treatment.
Who should get this test?
- Women of reproductive age, at least once a year.
- Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy.
- Vegetarians and people with heavy periods.
- Anyone with symptoms: persistent tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness, pale skin, brittle nails or hair fall.
- People on iron or B12 treatment, to check progress after 4–8 weeks.
- Preparation: No fasting needed.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always interpret your results with a qualified doctor.