How to determine the level of hemoglobin in the blood

Hemoglobin, a major component of bloodthat carries oxygen from the lungs to all tissues and removes carbon dioxide from the body and is involved in the regulation of acid-base balance. The level of hemoglobin assesses the state of human health, during the treatment of a disease – the effectiveness of doctor prescribed drugs. Most often the analysis for its determination is carried out in a medical facility, although in recent times there were such devices that allow you to find this option without leaving home.

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Instruction

To find out the level of hemoglobin in the blood, you need to have a blood test that involves identifying, in addition to hemoglobin, white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

If you are assigned to a General analysis of blood, then you need to take it in the morning. At this time, the amount of hemoglobin in the body a little (within 4-5%) more. The lowest level is observed within two hours after a meal, especially a liquid. Therefore, before donating blood you must not eat.

12 hours prior to analysis eliminate consumption of alcohol and try not to smoke, because the result will be unreliable. If you smoke, tell the technician who does the blood draws. Also before the visit to the laboratory avoid strenuous activity.

Warn your doctor if you are allergic to latex (used to make medical gloves, band-AIDS, ACE bandages, etc.) and if during the previous procedures you have had nausea, dizziness or fainting. Do not forget to specify the drugs you take: some of them may increase bleeding. Also the doctor needs to know whether you are pregnant, because women in this position, the hemoglobin level is reduced by 15%.

The most simple method, the level of hemoglobin is determined in a colorimeter–geometre Sali, which represents the tripod vertical nests. The nest is placed in a sealed test tube with the standard colours and glass vial with a scale, which poured the hydrochloric acid in your blood. After 5 minutes, when a chemical reaction takes place, this mixture is compared with the color samples. It usually turns darker (lighter is only in the case of severe anemia). Then added to the mixture drop by drop with distilled water until until it is compared with the color standards. The result is noted by tick marks on the scale.

This method is simple and affordable, so they are still used in many clinics. But it is not precise and requires a lot of time to execute. There are other colorimeters – lamps that use cyanmethemoglobin method for determining the level of hemoglobin. It is also based on chemical reactions of the blood with certain chemicals.

If you have such a need, you can buy one of the modern glucose meters that in house conditions it is possible to measure the level of blood sugar, cholesterol and hemoglobin. With such a device acquires special test strips, using which you will obtain the necessary indicators. You should know that the rate of hemoglobin for women – from 120 to 140 grams per liter for men – from 130 to 160 g/L. If this level is lowered, it may indicate anaemia or the existence of any chronic diseases. Elevated levels are also often indicates problems in the body.

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