Take Control Of Your Health | Home Blood Testing Services
Review 4.8 / 55 Stars! Private STI Tests &ampl; Health Checks Online Reviews
Login ›Basket (0)
Basket (0)
Find Your Test
Womens
Mens
All Tests
Conditions
Help
Take This Test ›All Biomarkers ›

Haemoglobin Testing (Hb)

All you need to know about testing Haemoglobin levels with a laboratory test

  • What is the Haemoglobin test for?
  • How to test Haemoglobin?
  • What if Haemoglobin results are high?
  • What if Haemoglobin results are low?
  • Who should take the Full Blood Count (FBC) Blood test?
  • Can the haemoglobin test replace a full blood count test?
  • How accurate is the haemoglobin test?
  • How should I prepare before taking the haemoglobin test?
  • What should I do if my haemoglobin test results are lower than expected?
  • How do I use the haemoglobin test kit effectively?
  • What do positive results mean in the context of a haemoglobin test?
  • How does the haemoglobin test Kit work?
  • How do I receive the results of my haemoglobin test?
  • What are the symptoms that the Haemoglobin test can help identify?
  • What conditions can the Haemoglobin (Hb) test diagnose?

Haemoglobin Testing UK Statistics 2026

Icon For Haemoglobin
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body

6.9% of people tested have Haemoglobin levels which are too high.

And 3.0% have levels that are too low.

145.6

Low
< 130

Normal
130 - 170

High
170 +

The average Haemoglobin result is 145.6 g/L
Note what is normal for you may differ for your age and sex.

Are you in the 90.1% with normal results?
Get Tested ›

What Is The Haemoglobin Test For?

Haemoglobin is a protein found in the red blood cells, which are the most abundant cells in your blood. Haemoglobin carries oxygen from your lungs to the cells of your body, so it is a good indicator for your blood's ability to carry oxygen and deliver it to your tissues.

How To Test Haemoglobin

By buying a laboratory test kit with professional nurse or clinic collection, you can accurately measure Haemoglobin for total reassurance.

Professional analysis in an accredited laboratory ensures rapid result delivery.

The Vitall Full Blood Count (FBC) nurse or clinic test kit includes a Haemoglobin test and is available for just £79.00.

Tests which include a Haemoglobin test:

Health is in your hands
Health is in your hands
Take Control Of Your Health | Home Blood Testing Services

Full Blood Count (FBC) Test Kit

Full Blood Count (FBC) test kit
Full Blood Count (FBC) Home Test Kit UK

Full Blood Count (FBC) Test Kit

Measure your general blood and immune health and ability to fight viral & bacterial infections

£79.00

View Full Details ›
Health is in your hands
Health is in your hands
Take Control Of Your Health | Home Blood Testing Services

Immune Health Test Kit

Immune Health test kit
Immune Health Home Test Kit UK

Immune Health Test Kit

Measure your immune system health and ability to fight viral & bacterial infection

£79.00

View Full Details ›

What if Haemoglobin Results Are High?

Above-normal haemoglobin levels most commonly occur with dehydration, but can also be seen with many other conditions, including smoking.

Higher haemoglobin can also occur when the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, a condition known as polycythaemia.

Polycythaemia makes the blood thicker, so it is less able to travel to the body’s tissues. When severe, it can be linked to blood clots in the heart, brain, lungs, or legs, which can be very serious. This finding is often prioritised for early review by a medical professional.

Haematocrit and red cell count results in the same test panel are commonly looked at alongside haemoglobin, as polycythaemia is likely to increase their levels as well.

What if Haemoglobin Results Are Low?

Low haemoglobin is commonly associated with anaemia, where the blood carries less oxygen than usual. This can be linked to fatigue and weakness.

Below-normal haemoglobin can occur for a range of reasons, including iron deficiency, inflammatory disorders, inherited haemoglobin defects, bone marrow problems, or infection. Further testing is often used to clarify the cause.

Low haemoglobin can be associated with feeling very unwell, and this finding is often prioritised for early review.

Who Should Take This Test?

Measure your Haemoglobin levels and measure your general blood and immune health and ability to fight viral & bacterial infections with a Full Blood Count (FBC) nurse or clinic finger-prick bloodtest kit

You get the convenient testing with the reassurance of professional clinical analysis. Your results are delivered quickly & securely online.

This Full Blood Count (FBC) Test is advised if you:

  • want the convenience of home testing without waiting for a GP appointment;
  • need a high quality, clinically accredited test done in a professional clinical laboratory.

Can the haemoglobin test replace a full blood count test?

Although the haemoglobin test can provide valuable information about your blood's capacity to carry oxygen, it cannot replace a full blood count test which analyses different components of your blood including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. However, this full blood count test is always run together with the haematocrit so you'll also receive these results too.

How accurate is the haemoglobin test?

The haemoglobin test from Vitall is very accurate. All samples are analysed by medical professionals in a UKAS accredited lab, employing highly accurate analytical equipment. It's essential, however, to carefully follow the instructions provided for sampling to assure an accurate result.

How should I prepare before taking the haemoglobin test?

No specific preparation is needed for the haemoglobin test. It's a simple finger-prick blood test and can be taken at any time of the day. Just make sure to wash your hands and follow the instructions carefully for accurate sample collection.

What should I do if my haemoglobin test results are lower than expected?

Lower than normal haemoglobin levels may indicate anaemia or deficiencies such as iron, B6, or B12. If your Hb levels are low, it could also be a sign of bleeding, kidney disease, or bone marrow problems. You should seek advice from a medical professional who can provide accurate diagnosis and recommend treatments.

How do I use the haemoglobin test kit effectively?

Follow the step-by-step guide that comes with your test kit. It's essential to wash your hands in warm water before the test, as this increases blood flow. That makes the collection easier. Use the safety lancet included to prick your finger and collect the required amount of blood in the collection tube.

What do positive results mean in the context of a haemoglobin test?

Positive results, meaning elevated haemoglobin levels, could indicate various conditions including lung diseases, excessive bone marrow production of blood cells, or dehydration. However, consider these results as an indication of a potential problem. You should consult with a healthcare provider for advice on the appropriate next steps and potential treatments.

How does the haemoglobin test Kit work?

The haemoglobin test kit is designed for at-home use, employing a finger-prick method for blood sample collection. After collecting the blood sample as per the instructions, you'll send it back in the provided, pre-paid package to a UKAS accredited lab for analysis.

How do I receive the results of my haemoglobin test?

Your sample will be dispatched to a UKAS accredited lab where medical professionals will analyse it. Once this analysis is completed, your results will be available online via your secure Vitall account, giving you efficient and confidential access to your test results.

What are the symptoms that the Haemoglobin test can help identify?

Potential symptoms that could lead one to take a haemoglobin test include constant tiredness, lack of energy, paleness, shortness of breath, dizziness or unusual rapid heartbeats. If you suffer from these symptoms, it's recommended you take a Hb test, as it could indicate conditions such as anaemia or other blood disorders.

What conditions can the Haemoglobin (Hb) test diagnose?

The Hb test primarily helps diagnose conditions related to abnormal levels of haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. High levels could indicate conditions like polycythemia vera or lung diseases, while low levels may point to anaemia, iron deficiency, vitamin B6 and B12 deficiency, kidney disease, or bleeding disorders.

Other Biomarkers Often Tested With Haemoglobin

Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Basophils
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Eosinophils
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Full Blood Count
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Haematocrit
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Haemoglobin
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Lymphocytes
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Mean Corpuscular Volume
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Mean Platelet Volume
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Monocytes
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Neutrophils
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Platelet Count
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Red Cell Count
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Red Cell Distribution Width
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online White Cell Count

Useful links

About VitallContact UsHelp CentreClinic LocationsBiomarkersHealth BlogPartnershipsEmployee HealthOur Terms
Facebook Icon for VitallInstagram Icon for VitallLinkedIn Icon for VitallPinterest Icon for VitallTiktok Icon for Vitall

Join our mailing list for 10% off!

Popular tests

Female FertilityFemale Total Health CheckFull Blood CountMale Total Health CheckTestosterone & EstrogenVitamins & Minerals
All Tests Are CE marked, IVDAll Tests Are CE marked, IVDUKAS Quality Management  Expert Blood Test Analysis in an Accredited Laboratory

All Testing Is Conducted In UKAS Accredited Laboratories.

© 2026 Healthy Human Labs LTD, 71 - 75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.

Vitall AI Chat