Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, helping spot anemia and related concerns.

Last reviewedJune 16, 2026

Whole blood

sample type

~3 mL

blood needed

~7 days

results in app

Any time of day

best timing

INCLUDED WITH ANIVA

199 € / year

0.55 € a day

Get Started

100+ biomarkers. Cheaper than a comparable test at your doctor. Guaranteed, or we match the price.

German PKV insurance usually reimburses.

On this page

Why test Reference ranges What you'll learn What affects it How testing works Sources FAQ

In short

Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein inside your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and brings carbon dioxide back. It is what gives blood its red colour.

The amount of hemoglobin in your blood is a direct measure of how well your blood can carry oxygen, which is why it is one of the core results in a complete blood count.

Blood Health (CBC & Iron)

Reviewed against DGKL reference practice.

Why test this?

A hemoglobin test is the main way to check for anaemia. Low hemoglobin means your blood carries less oxygen and can cause tiredness, shortness of breath, and pale skin. Common causes include iron, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, blood loss, and chronic illness.

High hemoglobin is less common and can result from dehydration, smoking, living at altitude, or, rarely, a bone marrow condition. The result is most useful read with the other red cell values.

What is a normal result?

Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.

Adult reference values as used by Aniva. Ranges are guidance and can vary by laboratory and method.

Group	Normal range	Optimal range
Men	132 to 166 g/L	140 to 150 g/L
Women	116 to 150 g/L	135 to 145 g/L

Sources: Complete Blood Count (CBC) (MedlinePlus, NIH)

Your Aniva report reads your result against these values together with your age, sex and the rest of your panel.

Ranges are guidance and vary by lab and assay, aligned with DGKL practice. Always read your result against your own lab's reference interval.

What insights will this test give you?

Whether you may have anaemia or, less often, thickened blood.
A likely explanation for fatigue or breathlessness.
A core value your concierge reads with iron markers and the rest of your blood count for your personalized action plan.

What can affect this result?

What can skew the result

Dehydration can raise the reading and overhydration can lower it. Pregnancy lowers hemoglobin. Recent heavy bleeding may not show fully until fluid balance settles. Very high white cell counts or high blood fats can interfere with some analysers.

Best interpreted with

Read together with hematocrit, red blood cell count, red cell indices (MCV, MCH), and iron studies such as ferritin.

How is this tested?

Sample

Whole blood

Blood needed

~3 mL

Method

Automated haematology analyser

Best timing

Any time of day

Sources. The evidence behind this

LOINC 718-7: Hemoglobin in blood

WHO: Guideline on haemoglobin cutoffs for anaemia

Mayo Clinic Laboratories: Hemoglobin, Blood

Common questions

What does a low hemoglobin mean? It often indicates anemia and reduced oxygen delivery. Your clinician may suggest iron, B12, or folate checks.

What can affect my hemoglobin result? Hydration, altitude, smoking, recent illness, heavy exercise, transfusion, and some medicines can change values.

Do I need to fast for this test? No. Fasting is not required for hemoglobin.

How often should I test hemoglobin? Test when you have symptoms, during routine checks, or as advised when monitoring treatment.

How long do results take? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.

What should I discuss with my clinician? Share symptoms, bleeding, diet, altitude or smoking exposure, medicines, and whether iron, B12, folate, or a repeat CBC is needed.

Which Aniva panels include this marker?

Core

Your annual full-body baseline with more than 100 biomarkers, included in your Aniva membership.