What is Hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin levels are used to diagnose various conditions such as anemia and diabetes (HbA1c levels indicate average blood glucose levels). It is also used to assess overall health and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Some common Hemoglobin disorders include sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia, both of which affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Oxygen binds to the iron atom in the heme group of Hemoglobin. The binding is cooperative, meaning the binding of one oxygen molecule increases the affinity of the remaining sites for oxygen.

The primary function of hemoglobin is to transport oxygen from the lungs to various tissues in the body and to carry carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.

The normal hemoglobin level ranges from 12 to 20 g/dL. In males, it is typically 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL, and in females, it is 12 to 15.5 g/dL.

Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells (RBCs) and constitutes about 90-95% of the dry weight of RBCs. It is also found in certain other cells such as macrophages, neurons, and alveolar cells.

The primary function of Hemoglobin is to transport oxygen from the lungs to various tissues in the body and to carry carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.