Hemoglobin is the protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lung
Number of hemoglobin molecules per deciliter considered to be healthy is 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter for men and 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter . for women,. For children, mean values are between 11 and 16.5 g/dL These reference ranges may differ from one medical practice to another depending on the individual laboratory, instruments, and methods.
Mild anemia is considered when hemoglobin is between 9.5 - 13.0 g/dL. Moderate anemia is considered when hemoglobin is between 8.0 - 9.5 g/dL. Severe anemia is considered for hemoglobin concentrations below 8.0 g/dL. Based on the available evidence, transfusion in the critically ill patient without active ischemic heart disease should generally be withheld until the hemoglobin level falls to 7 g/dl. The old 1030 rule (hemoglobin of 10 g/dl and a hematocrit levels falling below 30%) is now considered to be ill advised. The hemoglobin level at which serious morbidity or mortality occurs in critically ill patients with active ischemic heart disease is a subject of continued debate but it is likely that a set transfusion trigger will not provide an optimal risk–benefit profile in this population.
Number of hemoglobin molecules per deciliter considered to be healthy is 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter for men and 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter . for women,. For children, mean values are between 11 and 16.5 g/dL These reference ranges may differ from one medical practice to another depending on the individual laboratory, instruments, and methods.
Mild anemia is considered when hemoglobin is between 9.5 - 13.0 g/dL. Moderate anemia is considered when hemoglobin is between 8.0 - 9.5 g/dL. Severe anemia is considered for hemoglobin concentrations below 8.0 g/dL. Based on the available evidence, transfusion in the critically ill patient without active ischemic heart disease should generally be withheld until the hemoglobin level falls to 7 g/dl. The old 1030 rule (hemoglobin of 10 g/dl and a hematocrit levels falling below 30%) is now considered to be ill advised. The hemoglobin level at which serious morbidity or mortality occurs in critically ill patients with active ischemic heart disease is a subject of continued debate but it is likely that a set transfusion trigger will not provide an optimal risk–benefit profile in this population.
Diseases and conditions lowering hemoglobin count include cancers, chronic kidney disease, vitamin or mineral deficiency (fewer red cells produced), prophyria, vasculitis/arteritis and other diseases in which the body destroying red blood cells, and blood loss due to external or internal (e.g. ulcers) bleeding.
