Why do we need hemoglobin and what is its norm

What is hemoglobin

Hemoglobin Fetal hemoglobin is much less prone to DNA cleavage compared to the adult protein (Hb) is a pigment protein that contains iron ions. It is capable of oxidizing. This means that oxygen atoms are attached to the metal. Hemoglobin carries them into tissues for cells to use for respiration. If there is not enough pigment, the organs will begin to work incorrectly.

Free hemoglobin is toxic and can damage body tissues. Therefore, it is found inside erythrocytes, red blood cells.

What is hemoglobin

It can be different in structure. The ability of hemoglobin to bind to oxygen depends on this. Scientists have discovered several types of Hemoglobin Electrophoresis, and not all of them should be in a healthy person:

Hb A is a normal Sickle Cell Tests pigmented iron-containing protein that appears after birth and persists throughout life.
Hb F is fetal hemoglobin that can carry much more oxygen than protein in adults. Normally, the fetus has it during intrauterine development, but after birth its amount decreases Hemoglobin Electrophoresis to 50-80%, by six months - up to 8%, and after six months of life, no more than 1-2% of such hemoglobin remains.
Hb S is a pigment with a modified molecular structure, therefore, such hemoglobin carries less oxygen than Hb A. This form of protein appears in sickle cell anemia, a special hereditary blood disease, so it should not be normal.
Hb C is a pathological type of hemoglobin that is inherited. This structural feature can cause the development of hemolytic Hemoglobin C Disease anemia, when red blood cells are destroyed.
Hb A1c is a type of protein that appears in the Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test in people with diabetes. It is also called glycosylated hemoglobin because it forms strong bonds with glucose and is less oxygen-tolerant.

What is the norm of hemoglobin in the blood

It depends on gender and age. Doctors adhere to the following Hemoglobin values:

men over 18 years old - 140–175 g / l;
women over 18 years old - 123-153 g / l;
newborns Anemia of newborns diagnosis, prevention, treatment at 1-2 weeks of life - above 150 g / l;
babies at 3-4 weeks - more than 120 g / l;
children Hemoglobin concentration for the diagnosis of anemia and assessment of its severity up to 59 months - above 110 g / l;
children 5-11 years old - above 115 g / l;
children 12-18 years old - above 120 g / l.

How to know your hemoglobin level

Doctors check the Hemoglobin Test with a complete blood count. Usually it is taken from the finger at any time without special preparation. And in newborn babies, a heel is punctured to obtain a blood sample. The research result is ready within a few hours.

What to do if the hemoglobin level is abnormal

Hemoglobin can be increased or decreased, the latter being more common and called anemia. To find the reasons for any changes, you need to see a therapist. The doctor will order additional tests. For example:

Hematocrit Hematocrit. This is an indicator of the ratio of the volume of erythrocytes to the rest of the blood plasma components.
Research Iron Iron Tests. Check the amount of serum iron, proteins ferritin and transferrin, as well as the total and unsaturated iron-binding capacity of the blood.
Haptoglobin Haptoglobin. This is the name of the analysis for a protein that helps to transfer hemoglobin, which is outside the red blood cells.
Hemoglobinopathy Electrophoresis Evaluation of Hemoglobin. Used to detect abnormal types of hemoglobin.