A patient seated in the chair before a blood draw
In person

Hemoglobin + Hematocrit

The two core red blood cell numbers, from one blood draw.

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  • 2,000+ lab locations. Find one near you
  • Nothing due at the lab. FSA / HSA accepted
  • Ordered by a licensed clinician

At a glance

Collection
Blood draw
A standard blood draw at the lab.
Preparation
None
Nothing to do ahead of time. Water is fine.
Results
1 to 2 days
Typical turnaround after your visit.
Where
2,000+ lab locations
Nationwide, with nothing due at the lab.

About this test

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and hematocrit is the share of your blood made up of red cells. Together they are a standard way to check for anemia or to recheck a past result. Being dehydrated can push both numbers up. No fasting is needed.

For adults 18 and older. Test availability varies by lab location.

Who should take this test?

Adults rechecking a past result, those with heavy periods, and people who feel run down often use this test to look at anemia. Commonly related symptoms include:

Body

  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Breathless with activity
  • Cold hands and feet

Skin

  • Pale skin

Head

  • Lightheadedness

Reproductive

  • Heavy periods

Ask about this test

Not sure this is the right test?

AI-generated. For information only, not medical advice. Call 911 for an emergency.

What does this test measure?

Your results show how much oxygen-carrying hemoglobin you have and how much of your blood is red cells, which can help a healthcare provider see whether anemia is a question.

Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the iron-containing protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen. It is the main number used to check for anemia. Low iron, B12, or folate, blood loss, and some long-term conditions can lower it, while dehydration, smoking, and high altitude can raise it.
Why it’s measured: The main number used to check for anemia, read with the rest of the blood count.
Hematocrit
Hematocrit is the share of your blood volume made up of red blood cells. It usually moves in step with hemoglobin. Hydration affects it: being dehydrated can raise it, and extra fluid can lower it. It is read with hemoglobin and the red blood cell count.
Why it’s measured: Shows the share of your blood made up of red blood cells, read with hemoglobin.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Order online

    Check out here. A licensed clinician in your state reviews your order and sends it to the lab.

  2. Step 2

    Visit a lab

    Bring a photo ID to any of 2,000+ lab locations. No fasting needed, and nothing is due at the lab.

  3. Step 3

    Get your results

    Results post to your account, usually in 1 to 2 days, each number next to the lab’s reference range.

Find a lab near you

Choose from 2,000+ lab locations nationwide. Your order works at any of them.

What your results tell you

Hemoglobin is reported in grams per deciliter (g/dL) and hematocrit as a percentage, each next to the lab’s reference range.

  • Each marker next to the lab’s reference range
  • Explained in plain language
  • A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test.
  • A lab report you can download and share

A low result can have many causes, from blood loss to low iron. A healthcare provider can explain yours and what to check next.

Clinical-grade testing, from the comfort of home.

From the lab to your report, every step of our process meets the gold standard in medical testing.

  • CLIA-certified labs

    Every lab we partner with is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, meeting both state and federal standards with regular independent inspections.

  • We protect your health data

    We protect your health data with encryption and do not sell it. Some results must be reported to public health authorities by law. See our Privacy Notice.

  • Rigorous quality assurance

    All partner labs run regular internal quality checks, participate in proficiency testing, and comply with federal and state lab regulations.

  • Clinician-reviewed reports

    Results are reviewed by an independent, licensed clinician.

Questions

Common questions.

Anything else, our care team answers by phone, text, or email.

Hemoglobin is the protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Hematocrit is the percentage of your blood volume made up of red blood cells.

The two usually move together, which is why they are often checked as a pair.

Hydration matters. Being dehydrated can make both numbers read higher than usual. Recent blood loss, including heavy periods, can lower them.

If something like this applies to you, mention it to the healthcare provider who reviews your results so they can read the numbers in context.

Hemoglobin and hematocrit show whether red cell levels are low, high, or in range. They don’t show why. Finding the cause of anemia usually takes more, such as red cell size from a full CBC, or iron and ferritin. A healthcare provider can suggest what fits.

No. This test is not for emergencies. If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, heavy bleeding, or black or bloody stools, get emergency care right away rather than waiting for a lab visit or a result.

Lab tests are informational and don’t diagnose conditions on their own. Available to adults 18 and older; test availability varies by lab location. A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test. All testing is performed at CLIA-certified laboratories. Not for emergencies: if you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.