What does the hemoglobin determination in CBC indicate?

Hemoglobin determination in a complete blood count (CBC) is critical as it provides information about the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein found within red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to tissues throughout the body. When measuring hemoglobin levels, healthcare professionals can assess how effectively the blood can transport oxygen, which is vital for the proper functioning of organs and tissues.

An abnormal hemoglobin level can indicate various health conditions, such as anemia (low hemoglobin) or polycythemia (high hemoglobin), both of which have significant effects on oxygen delivery to the body. Therefore, understanding hemoglobin levels is fundamental in evaluating a patient's overall health status and addressing potential respiratory or circulatory issues that may arise from inadequate oxygenation.