Dangerously low hemoglobin levels

Maintaining normal hemoglobin levels is important, as this blood protein carries oxygen to your cells. There can be slight variations between what different healthcare providers consider “healthy,” but in general, a healthy hemoglobin level for adult males is 13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter (g/dL).

In adult females, a hemoglobin count of between 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL is typically considered normal and healthy.

A lower-than-normal hemoglobin count means that your cells are not getting enough oxygen, leading to fatigue and other symptoms of anemia.

Low hematocrit

A higher-than-normal hemoglobin count means your body is being deprived of oxygen. This can be due to smoking, living at a high altitude, an underlying condition like obstructive sleep apnea, heart or lung disease, or a bone marrow disease affecting red blood cells.

How Are Hemoglobin Levels Tested?

A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. The test requires a simple blood draw.

Your hemoglobin is typically tested as a part of a complete blood count (CBC). You

blood transfusion when hemoglobin is low

when hemoglobin and hematocrit is low