Haemoglobin is measured to detect Anaemia and its severity and to monitor an patient’s response to treatment. Monitoring the haemoglobin level (or PCV) is also required when patients with HIV disease are being treated with drugs such as AZT. The test is also performed to check the haemoglobin level of a blood donor prior to donating blood.
What are normal ranges for Haemoglobin?
Children at birth . . . . . . . . . 135–195 g/l
Children 2 y–5 y . . .. . . . . . 110–140 g/l
Children 6 y–12 y . . . . . . . .. . . 115–155 g/l
Adult men. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130–180 g/l
Adult women . . . . . . . . . . . 120–150 g/l
(Pregnant women) . . . . . . . . . . 110–138 g/l
As stated, Hb measurement along with other parameters can be used to identify different types of anaemia as described here
Hb 12 g/dl Not anaemic
Hb 10–11 g/dl Mild anaemia
Hb 8–9 g/dl Moderate anaemia
Hb 6–7 g/dl Marked anaemia
Hb 4–5 g/dl Severe anaemia
Hb 4 g/dl Critical
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