Hgb

Medical abbreviation · Laboratory Test

Hgb
Stands forHemoglobin
CategoriesMedical

Hgb stands for Hemoglobin, a laboratory test abbreviation.

Oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells, reported in grams per deciliter and used as the main measure of anemia. Typical adult values are roughly 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL in men and 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL in women; in stable hospitalized patients, transfusion is generally considered only when hemoglobin falls below about 7 g/dL.

Example: Post-op Hgb dropped from 12.1 to 8.4, so we are rechecking in four hours.

Usage notes

Hgb and Hb are interchangeable: Hgb is common in US charts, while Hb dominates British and international writing. Values in g/L, used in Canada, the UK and much of Europe, are ten times larger, so 120 g/L equals 12 g/dL. The restrictive 7 g/dL transfusion threshold is supported by trials beginning with TRICC (1999); some cardiac patients are managed with higher thresholds.

More laboratory test abbreviations

  • HbA1c – Hemoglobin A1c (glycated hemoglobin)
  • hCG – Human chorionic gonadotropin
  • HCO3 – Bicarbonate
  • Hct – Hematocrit
  • HDL – High-density lipoprotein (cholesterol)
  • HFP – Hepatic function panel
  • hs-CRP – High-sensitivity C-reactive protein
  • iCa – Ionized calcium
  • INR – International normalized ratio
  • K – Potassium
  • LDH – Lactate dehydrogenase
  • LDL – Low-density lipoprotein (cholesterol)

See all 135 laboratory test abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.