Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Hemoglobin also carries carbon dioxide from the body’s tissues back to the lungs to be exhaled. Hemoglobin is essential for maintaining good health, and low levels of hemoglobin can lead to anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and other health problems.
There are several ways to check hemoglobin levels. One common method is a blood test. A blood test can be done at a doctor’s office or a laboratory. During a blood test, a small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm. The blood sample is then tested to measure the hemoglobin level. Another method for checking hemoglobin levels is a finger prick test. A finger prick test is done at a doctor’s office or at home using a finger prick kit. During a finger prick test, a small drop of blood is taken from a fingertip. The blood sample is then tested to measure the hemoglobin level.
