Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is the main component of red blood cells, a complex protein consisting of heme and globin. The main function of hemoglobin is to transfer oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, as well as to remove carbon dioxide from the body and regulate acid-base balance. In the blood, hemoglobin is present mainly in the form of oxyhemoglobin (a compound of hemoglobin with oxygen) and reduced hemoglobin (oxyhemoglobin that has given up oxygen to the tissues). Oxyhemoglobin is found mainly in arterial blood and gives it a bright scarlet color. In venous blood, one or another form of hemoglobin is present, so venous blood has a dark cherry color.

Determination of hemoglobin concentration in the blood plays a key role in diagnostics of anemia. The conclusion about the presence of anemia is based on the results of determining the concentration of hemoglobin and the hematocrit value in the blood: for men - a decrease in hemoglobin concentration below 140 g / l and the hematocrit value less than 42%; for women - less than 120 g / l and 37%, respectively. In anemia, the concentration of hemoglobin varies widely and depends on its form and severity. In iron deficiency anemia, most patients have a relatively moderate decrease in hemoglobin (up to 85-114 g / l), less often more pronounced (up to 60-84 g / l). A significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration in the blood (up to 50-85 g / l) is characteristic of acute blood loss, hypoplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia after a hemolytic crisis, vitamin B ₁₂ -deficiency anemia. A hemoglobin concentration of 30-40 g/l is an indicator of severe anemia, which requires urgent measures. The minimum hemoglobin concentration in the blood compatible with life is 10 g/l.

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