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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffA low hemoglobin count is a below-average concentration of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin proteins in your blood. Hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb) is the main component of red blood cells.
A low hemoglobin count is generally defined as less than 13.5 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter (135 grams per liter) of blood for men and less than 12 grams per deciliter (120 grams per liter) for women. In children, the definition varies with age and sex. The threshold differs slightly between medical practices.
A low hemoglobin count is a common blood test result. In many cases, a low hemoglobin count is only slightly lower than normal, isn't considered significant and causes no symptoms. A low hemoglobin count can also be caused by an abnormality or disease. In these situations, a low hemoglobin count is referred to as anemia.
- Adamson JW, et al. Anemia and polycythemia. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2878924. Accessed Feb. 1, 2010.
- Prchal JT. Clinical manifestations and classification of erythrocyte disorders: An overview. In: Lichtman MA, et al. Williams Hematology. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2006. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2139970. Accessed Feb. 2, 2010.
- Hemoglobin. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/180420729-2/0/2088/0.html. Accessed Jan. 27, 2010.
- Hemoglobin. Lab Tests Online. http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/hemoglobin/glance.html. Accessed Feb. 1, 2010.
- Laboratory reference values. Hemoglobin. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2008.
- Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 5, 2010.
- What causes anemia? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/anemia/anemia_causes.html. Accessed Feb. 5, 2010.
- Rohren CH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 11, 2010.
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