The instructions for use of your hemoglobin home test can be found here .

Anemia, or hemoglobin deficiency, can be a result of nutrient deficiencies, kidney problems, or sickle cell anemia.

High hemoglobin levels can result from heavy smoking, dehydration, or living at high altitudes. But it can also be a consequence of some blood and lung diseases or certain tumors.

This test analyzes the hemoglobin level in your blood. Hemoglobin is the main protein and red blood pigment in red blood cells. It carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. There, oxygen is passed on to the cells in order to be able to produce energy and to transport CO2 away.

Anemia is a condition where you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Anemia, also known as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak.

There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can be temporary or long-term and range from mild to severe. In most cases, anemia has more than one cause. It can be a warning sign of a serious illness.

Treatments for anemia, depending on the cause, range from taking dietary supplements to medical interventions. You can prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. Check out our blog review here for more information!

Characteristic of all anemias, however, are symptoms that arise from a lack of oxygen supply to the body:

• dizziness
• Decreased physical and mental performance
• Headache
• Shortness of breath on exertion (in the case of advanced anemia also at rest)
• skin pallor
• Pale appearance of the conjunctiva and mucous membranes
• Smooth and red tongue: Doctors speak of a "lacquered tongue" in this context.

Adults (18 years and older) who want to have their hemoglobin levels checked, e.g. B. if they are at risk of anemia or have symptoms of elevated hemoglobin.

Important risk groups for altered hemoglobin levels are:

• People with heavy menstrual bleeding
• pregnant people
• people of older age
• People who have too little iron in their diet, e.g. B. through vegetarian or vegan diet
• People who engage in vigorous physical activity, as exertion can cause red blood cells to break down in the bloodstream
• People with chronic medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, liver disease, thyroid disease, and inflammatory bowel disease
• People who have an increased need for oxygen, for example because they suffer from lung or kidney disease, smoke or are dehydrated

With your results, you'll also receive specific recommendations on how to improve your hemoglobin levels through better nutrition, including advice appropriate for athletes.

The DoctorBox home tests may not be used:

• If you are not yet of legal age/adult (from 18 years of age)
• If you have problems seeing or having blood drawn. Then carry out the test in the presence of another adult or have a healthcare professional carry out the test.

You should only use the DoctorBox home tests after consulting your doctor if:

• You have a tendency to bleed or have a clotting disorder or are taking anticoagulant medication
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In this case, the reference values ​​may deviate.