Included with every panel
Baseline labs come free with any panel you build.
Blood & iron
Hemoglobin test
Oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells; primary anemia screen. Included with every panel.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. A low level can be the main sign of anemia.
Why it matters for women
Anemia is common in women, and it can come from iron lost through periods or used during pregnancy. Women’s normal range is lower than men’s, and levels can dip naturally in pregnancy. It’s routinely checked in pregnancy and can help after a birth with heavy bleeding.
You might check it if…
- you feel tired, weak, or short of breath
- you get dizzy when you stand up
- your periods are heavy
- you’re pregnant or recently gave birth
What your result may mean
High Hemoglobin: what it may mean
High hemoglobin may reflect dehydration, smoking or living at high altitude. Less frequently, it can point to a lung or heart condition, or to a bone marrow disorder (polycythemia), where the body can make too many red blood cells. Sleep apnea and testosterone treatment can raise it too. Headaches, dizziness or a flushed face can happen, and a mild rise may cause no symptoms. Being short on fluids before a blood draw can nudge it up for a while, so a clinician may repeat the test.
Low Hemoglobin: what it may mean
Low hemoglobin may mean anemia. In women, iron deficiency may be the leading reason, from heavy periods, pregnancy or low iron intake. Low vitamin B12 or folate, blood loss and long-term illness can also play a part. Levels can dip naturally in pregnancy, and the normal range for women can be lower than for men. Tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath or dizziness can follow, and a clinician may check ferritin and other iron tests to look for the reason.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.