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A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. If a hemoglobin tests shows that a person's levels are below normal, it means they have a low red blood cell count, which is known as anemia. If the test shows higher levels than normal, it means they have hemoglobinemia. [citation needed] The normal range for hemoglobin is:
Once a hemoglobin molecule is glycated, it remains that way. A buildup of glycated hemoglobin within the red cell, therefore, reflects the average level of glucose to which the cell has been exposed during its life-cycle. Measuring glycated hemoglobin assesses the effectiveness of therapy by monitoring long-term serum glucose regulation.
The test uses the principles of gel electrophoresis to separate out the various types of hemoglobin and is a type of native gel electrophoresis.After the sample has been treated to release the hemoglobin from the red cells, it is introduced into a porous gel (usually made of agarose or cellulose acetate) and subjected to an electrical field, most commonly in an alkaline medium.
In mammals, hemoglobin makes up about 96% of a red blood cell's dry weight (excluding water), and around 35% of the total weight (including water). [5] Hemoglobin has an oxygen-binding capacity of 1.34 mL of O 2 per gram, [6] which increases the total blood oxygen capacity seventy-fold compared to dissolved oxygen in blood plasma alone. [7]
Transfusion of red blood cell concentrates is indicated to compensate for a deficit caused by critical bleeding or to correct anaemic conditions, in order to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity and avoid detrimental effects caused by oxygen debt. [2] In adults, one unit brings up hemoglobin levels by about 10 g/L (1 g/dL).
ESAs are used to maintain hemoglobin at the lowest level that both minimizes transfusions and best meets a person's needs. [8] Medical speciality professional organizations do not recommend the use of ESAs in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who have hemoglobin levels greater than 10 g/dL and do not have anemia symptoms.
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Hematology analyzers are used to conduct a complete blood count (CBC), which is usually the first test requested by physicians to determine a patient's general health status. [5] A complete blood count includes red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin , and platelet counts, as well as hematocrit levels.