Haemoglobin is a term that is often used when talking about blood tests or health – for example in the case of fatigue or a diagnosis of anaemia.

What is hemoglobin?

Haemoglobin is a protein in the blood, more precisely in the red blood cells. It has a crucial task: it transports oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body – to the muscles, to the brain, wherever it is needed. At the same time, it absorbs carbon dioxide produced during breathing and brings it back to the lungs so that it can be exhaled. Without haemoglobin we could not live, because oxygen is the fuel for our cells.

Haemoglobin contains iron, which gives it its red color – that’s why blood is red. If the hemoglobin level is too low, this is called anemia. This can happen if the body has too little iron, loses blood or the red blood cells are not formed properly. Excessively high levels are less common, but can occur with problems such as dehydration or certain diseases.

Why is measurement important?

A healthy haemoglobin level shows whether the blood can transport enough oxygen. Too little haemoglobin makes you tired, listless or short of breath – typical signs of anaemia. Too much can indicate other problems, such as a thickening of the blood. In Germany, haemoglobin is often checked to detect diseases at an early stage – be it during routine examinations, pregnancy or if someone feels unwell.

How is hemoglobin measured in Germany?

In Germany, haemoglobin is determined by laboratory medicine – i.e. specialized laboratories with state-of-the-art technology. The first step is a visit to the doctor, usually the family doctor. The doctor decides whether a blood test is necessary and either draws blood himself or sends the patient to the laboratory. A small amount of blood is drawn from the vein, usually from the arm. Sometimes a drop from the finger is sufficient, for example for quick tests, but the exact measurement is usually done with venous blood.

The blood is then examined in the laboratory. There are special devices for this, known as haematology analyzers, which automatically measure how much haemoglobin is in the blood. The method is simple: the haemoglobin is chemically converted so that it absorbs light in a certain way. The device measures this light and calculates the value. The results are given in grams per liter (g/l) or sometimes in millimoles per liter (mmol/l). In Germany, the following guideline values apply: for men, the normal value is between 140 and 180 g/l, for women between 120 and 160 g/l. Children and pregnant women have different limits. Children and pregnant women have different limits because their requirements are different.

In addition to the haemoglobin value, the laboratory often also looks at other things, such as the number of red blood cells or the haematocrit (the proportion of solid components in the blood). This gives a complete picture of whether everything is correct or whether something needs to be examined more closely.

What happens to the results?

The laboratory values are sent back to the doctor, who discusses them with the patient. If the haemoglobin value is within the normal range, everything is fine. If it is below normal, the doctor will look for the cause – perhaps there is a lack of iron, vitamin B12 or a chronic illness. If it is too high, it could be due to a lack of fluids or a lung disease. Depending on the result, there may be tips such as better nutrition or medication, and sometimes further tests such as a gastroscopy in the event of blood loss.

In Germany, health insurance companies often pay for such blood tests, for example as part of health check-ups from the age of 35 or in the event of complaints. This makes it easy to keep an eye on your values.

Why is laboratory medicine so important?

Without laboratory medicine, it would be difficult to determine haemoglobin so accurately. In the past, it was just a matter of guesswork; today, laboratories deliver precise data in the shortest possible time. In Germany, laboratories have to adhere to strict quality standards to ensure that the results are reliable everywhere – whether in Hamburg or Munich. The devices are so accurate that they can detect even the smallest deviations, which helps doctors to find and treat problems at an early stage.

Conclusion: A small test with a big impact

Haemoglobin is the oxygen messenger in the blood – and its value says a lot about our health. Thanks to laboratory medicine in Germany, measuring it is child’s play: A quick prick, a bit of technology, and you know whether everything is right. If you feel tired or have risks such as iron deficiency, you should talk to your doctor – a blood test can help you stay fit or solve problems in good time. Simple, quick and safe – that’s how health works today.

Editorial office: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender note. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple references and gendered designations are avoided for the sake of better readability ected.