An H&H blood test is usually used when the doctor suspects (or wants to rule out) anemia. It is often used in the last trimester of pregnancy, as a lot of women find that their H&H drops around week 28. If it has dropped too low, iron supplements are given.
Does the H&H test have other names?
Hb, Hgb, H and H, Hemoglobin and hematocrit
This blood test aims to find out how much hemoglobin is in your blood. Hemoglobin makes up the main part of your red blood cells and is made up of a protein called globin and a compound called heme. Heme contains iron and a pigment called porphyrin, which is what gives blood it's red colour.
Hemoglobin carries oxygen and carbon dioxide through the blood. If the hemoglobin is too low, the cells in the body may not get the amount of oxygen that they need.
Why do I need this test?
This test is often carried out as part of a routine blood test. Your doctor may also order this tests if you have symptoms of anemia. Anemia can be caused by blood loss, a decrease in the production of red blood cells, or an increase in the destruction of red blood cells. The hemoglobin test can also help to find the cause of your anemia.