1. Home
  2. Health Topics
  3. Search Health Topics
  4. Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin

Top of the page

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It also helps carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs, where it can be breathed out of the body.

Abnormally low levels of hemoglobin result in anemia.

Is it an emergency?

If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at 1-800-567-8911.

Thanks to our partners and endorsers:

Northern HealthBritish Columbia College of Family PhysiciansProvincial Health Services AuthorityVancouver Coastal HealthBritish Columbia Medical Association: Doctors of BCIsland HealthCollege of Pharmacists of British ColumbiaCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of British ColumbiaFraser Health AuthorityCollege of Dietitians of British ColumbiaInterior HealthCollege of Dental Surgeons of British ColumbiaBC Centre for Disease Control