Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
It's part of a complete blood count (CBC).
Finger-stick hemoglobin checks are done before blood donation.
Why it's done
- Tiredness, weakness, pale skin, or shortness of breath
- Heavy periods, pregnancy, or possible bleeding
- Kidney disease or long-term illness
Getting ready and what happens
- No special preparation is needed.
How the test is done
- A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
What the results mean
| Result | Typical range for adults |
|---|---|
| Men | About 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL |
| Women | About 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL |
| Pregnancy | About 11.0 g/dL or higher |
Normal ranges vary from lab to lab and can differ by age, sex, and pregnancy. Your report lists your lab's own range next to each result. A result a little outside the range is often not a problem.
Low
Anemia. Common causes are low iron, blood loss, kidney disease, and low B12 or folate.
High
Can come from smoking, living at high altitude, dehydration, testosterone use, sleep apnea, or polycythemia.
When a result needs quick action
Call 911Low hemoglobin with chest pain, fainting, or black or bloody stools
Call your provider todayA very low result your provider calls critical
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related medicines
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.