Blood count
Haemoglobin
Also known as: Hb, HGB, Hemoglobin
What it means
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around your body. Low Hb (anaemia) often causes tiredness and breathlessness.
Typical normal range
Men: 13–17 g/dL · Women: 12–15 g/dL
Reference ranges vary by lab, age, sex, and pregnancy. Always check the range on your own report.
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Related terms in Blood count
WBC
Your immune system's fighters. High means infection or inflammation; very low can mean your body's defences are weak.
Platelets
Cells that clump together to stop bleeding when you cut yourself. Low platelets means easier bruising.
MCV
Mean Corpuscular Volume — the average size of your red blood cells. Small (low MCV) often points to iron-deficiency anaemia; large (high MCV) often points to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
CBC
The full blood count panel — measures red cells, white cells, platelets and their properties. The most common baseline blood test in India.
RBC
The count of your red blood cells (millions per µL). Low RBC often points to anaemia; high RBC can point to dehydration or other issues.
MCH
The average amount of haemoglobin inside each red blood cell. Low MCH often accompanies iron-deficiency anaemia.
Sources & Standards
The plain-language explanations above draw on published standards from the following bodies. Reference ranges and thresholds vary slightly by lab and demographic — always check the range on your own report and follow your doctor's interpretation.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Global public-health authority
Global reference ranges and disease classifications.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
India's apex biomedical research body
India-specific clinical guidelines and reference values.
- National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
India's lab-accreditation authority
Reference-range framework used by accredited Indian labs.
- NIH / MedlinePlus
US National Institutes of Health patient-education arm
Plain-language descriptions of tests, conditions, and medicines.
AI can be wrong. Explanations here are for comprehension only — confirm every decision with your doctor.
This is a plain-language explanation for patients, not clinical advice. AI can be wrong. Always confirm with your doctor.