Doctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Haemoglobin: Normal Values and What a Low Hb Means
Hemoglobin monitoring is particularly valuable for seniors, as age-related changes can affect red blood cell production and iron metabolism. Regular testing supports early detection of anemia, helping maintain energy, cognitive clarity, and quality of life.
Results within 1–3 working days after your blood draw (estimate)
Reference Ranges
Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Check your own valueWhat It Measures
Haemoglobin (Hb) is the iron-containing protein in your red blood cells that binds oxygen. It picks up oxygen in your lungs, carries it around your body, and takes carbon dioxide back on the return trip.
This test measures how much haemoglobin is present per litre of blood. In the Netherlands the result is usually reported in mmol/l; internationally g/dl is more common. The value is measured as standard within the complete blood count.
Because almost all the oxygen in your blood is bound to haemoglobin, this value tells you directly how much oxygen your blood can carry. Your doctor will therefore almost always assess haemoglobin together with haematocrit, the red cell count and MCV.
Why It Matters
A low haemoglobin means anaemia: your blood carries less oxygen, so you tire more quickly and become short of breath sooner during exertion. The most common cause is iron deficiency, but a lack of vitamin B12 or folate, blood loss (for example through heavy periods or the gut), a chronic illness or reduced kidney function can also lower the value.
A high haemoglobin is less common. Dehydration produces an apparently raised value because your blood is more concentrated. Smoking, time at high altitude, sleep apnoea and a bone marrow disorder can genuinely increase red cell production.
The value on its own does not tell you the cause. Only in combination with MCV, ferritin and the rest of your blood count does it become clear which form of anaemia is present and what lies behind it.
When to Test
Haemoglobin is measured as standard whenever you have a complete blood count. That is often done for persistent fatigue, pallor, breathlessness on exertion or dizziness.
The value is also useful to follow while you are being treated for anaemia, if you have heavy periods, or if you follow a diet that is low in iron.
For endurance athletes haemoglobin is relevant because it relates directly to oxygen transport and therefore to endurance. Test at rest and well hydrated where possible, because dehydration can artificially raise the result.
Symptoms
Low Levels
High Levels
Lifestyle Tips
Dietary iron is the foundation: red meat, legumes, wholegrain products and dark leafy greens. Vitamin C with a meal improves the absorption of plant-based iron, while coffee and tea inhibit it.
Do not start iron supplements on your own initiative. Supplementing without a demonstrated deficiency is not useful and too much iron can be harmful; have your ferritin measured first.
Drink enough before a blood draw: dehydration concentrates your blood and can artificially raise the result. A persistently low or high value should always be investigated by a doctor, because the underlying cause matters more than the number itself.