Red Blood Cell (RBC) Hemoglobin Content (Microhematocrit)
This test measures the amount of hemoglobin inside your red blood cells using a small sample of blood. Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen throughout your body.
["Helps assess your blood’s ability to carry oxygen and detect potential anemia or blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53973-4
- Short code
- RBCGhost UrnS Ql Micro
- Synonyms
- RBCGhost UrnS Ql Micro
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test Measuring?
The test evaluates the concentration of hemoglobin within your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the key protein responsible for transporting oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. By measuring this, doctors can determine if your red blood cells are functioning properly or if there may be an underlying issue affecting their ability to carry oxygen effectively.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, or dizziness. It’s also used to monitor conditions such as anemia, blood loss, or certain blood disorders. Sometimes, it’s part of a routine check-up or before certain treatments.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then processed in a microhematocrit tube—a thin, capillary tube—to separate the blood cells from plasma. The hemoglobin content is measured within the packed red blood cells.
What Are Common Results and Their Meanings?
Results are typically reported as a ratio or percentage, reflecting how much of the blood’s volume is made up of packed red blood cells. Lower-than-expected values may suggest anemia or blood loss, while higher-than-expected values could indicate conditions like polycythemia (overproduction of red blood cells).
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing blood-related conditions. Low hemoglobin levels in RBCs can indicate anemia, which may require further evaluation to determine the cause (e.g., iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, or chronic diseases). High levels might suggest conditions like dehydration or overproduction of red blood cells, which could need medical attention to prevent complications like blood clots.
Short name
RBC Hemoglobin by Microhematocrit
Frequently asked questions
What does a low or high result mean for my health?
How often should I get this test?
Can I prepare for this test in any way?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy