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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA high hemoglobin count indicates an above-average concentration of oxygen-carrying proteins in your blood. Hemoglobin (Hg or Hgb) is the main component of red blood cells. Hemoglobin count — also referred to as hemoglobin level — indicates your blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.
A high hemoglobin count is somewhat different from a high red blood cell count, because each cell may not have the same amount of hemoglobin proteins. Therefore, you could have a high hemoglobin count even if your red blood cell count falls within the normal range.
The threshold for a high hemoglobin count is slightly different from one medical practice to another. It's generally defined as more than 17.5 grams (g) of hemoglobin per deciliter (dL) of blood for men and 15.5 g/dL for women. In children, the definition of a high hemoglobin count varies with age and sex.
- Blood studies: Hematology and coagulation. In: Fischbach FT, et al. A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:96.
- Laboratory reference values. Hemoglobin. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; October 2010.
- Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In: Goroll AH, et al. Primary Care Medicine: Office Evaluation and Management of the Adult Patient. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006. http://gateway.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&MODE=ovid&PAGE=main&D=baov&PCOSTART=goroll. Accessed Oct. 4, 2010.
- Geggel RL, et al. Evaluation and initial management of cyanotic heart disease in the newborn. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 4, 2010.
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