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Total Hemoglobin and Other Fraction

Immunology & Autoimmune

Hb OtherHemoglobin Other fractiontHbTotal hemoglobin

Review status

Currently under review

Pending specialist review and validation.

What it shows

This test reports your hemoglobin level and, when a hemoglobin separation method is used, the proportion labeled Other. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues and gives blood its red color.

The total amount is measured from a blood sample. The Other fraction comes from techniques such as high‑performance liquid chromatography or electrophoresis that separate common hemoglobin types from less common ones. Other represents small peaks that do not match the usual named fractions; these can reflect benign variants, analytical artifacts, or products from a recent transfusion.

Why it matters

Your hemoglobin level helps identify anemia or unusually high red cell levels, guides treatment decisions, and monitors recovery after blood loss or procedures. The Other fraction can flag the presence of uncommon hemoglobin variants, which sometimes have genetic implications, may influence oxygen delivery, or can affect how other lab tests are interpreted.

Clinicians order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or pale skin; if you have conditions that affect red blood cells or kidney function; before surgery; during pregnancy; or as part of follow‑up for known hemoglobin disorders. The test is a routine blood draw and carries minimal risk, such as brief discomfort or a small bruise at the needle site.

Understanding your results

Your report may show a hemoglobin concentration and, if a separation study was done, an Other fraction. A lower hemoglobin level can be related to iron deficiency, blood loss, chronic inflammation, kidney disease, pregnancy‑related changes, or bone marrow issues. A higher level can occur with smoking, chronic low oxygen states, dehydration, or conditions that increase red blood cell production.

If an Other fraction is detected, it may be due to a benign variant, a recently transfused component, or a method‑related finding. Your clinician may suggest repeat testing, review of prior results, specialized hemoglobin studies, or genetic testing when appropriate. Interpretation always considers your age, sex, medical history, and medications. If you are pregnant, live at high altitude, or recently received a transfusion, tell your care team, since these factors can influence how results are viewed.

Reference ranges

135 – 195 g/L
Female
0 days – 1 day
135 – 195 g/L
Male
0 days – 1 day
0 – 0.02 fraction
All sexes
0 days – 150 years
135 – 185 g/L
Female
1 day – 7 days
135 – 185 g/L
Male
1 day – 7 days
100 – 180 g/L
Female
7 days – 1 month
100 – 180 g/L
Male
7 days – 1 month
95 – 135 g/L
Female
1 month – 6 months
95 – 135 g/L
Male
1 month – 6 months
105 – 135 g/L
Female
6 months – 2 years
105 – 135 g/L
Male
6 months – 2 years
115 – 135 g/L
Female
2 years – 4 years
115 – 135 g/L
Male
2 years – 4 years
115 – 155 g/L
Female
4 years – 10 years
115 – 155 g/L
Male
4 years – 10 years
120 – 160 g/L
Female
10 years – 21 years
130 – 160 g/L
Male
10 years – 21 years
120 – 160 g/L
Female
21 years – 150 years
135 – 175 g/L
Male
21 years – 150 years

Reference intervals vary by laboratory, analyzer, methodology, population, and units. The ranges shown here are for education only. Always interpret your results against the reference interval printed on your own lab report.

Factors that could impact Total Hemoglobin and Other Fraction

  • Altitude and smoking

    Living at high altitude or smoking can stimulate your body to produce more red blood cells, which can raise measured hemoglobin and influence interpretation.

  • Hydration and plasma volume

    Dehydration concentrates the blood and may make hemoglobin appear higher, while fluid overload or pregnancy‑related plasma expansion can make it appear lower.

  • Iron, B12, and folate status

    Deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, or folate reduce red blood cell production and can lower hemoglobin; repletion or supplementation can change results over time.

  • Recent transfusion

    Transfused blood can temporarily raise hemoglobin and may introduce variant peaks that contribute to the Other fraction, complicating short‑term interpretation.

  • Medications and therapies

    Erythropoiesis‑stimulating agents, chemotherapy, and some antibiotics or antimalarials can alter red blood cell production or create analytical interferences.

  • Pregnancy and age

    Normal hemoglobin levels vary by age and sex, and pregnancy naturally changes plasma volume and red cell production, affecting expected results.

  • Inflammation and chronic disease

    Chronic kidney disease, autoimmune conditions, infections, or cancer can lower hemoglobin through reduced production or shortened red cell lifespan.

  • Sample handling

    Hemolysis, clots, or delays in transport can interfere with instruments and, rarely, lead to spurious results or minor unexplained Other peaks.

2026

References

  1. McGill University Health Centre. (2015, April 26). tHb Other (Task CD 1092163). Laboratory reference ranges.
  2. McGill University Health Centre. (2018, September 24). tHb Other (Task CD 1092160). Laboratory reference ranges.
  3. International Council for Standardization in Haematology. (2015). ICSH recommendations for haemoglobinometry in clinical laboratories and in blood donors. International Journal of Laboratory Hematology, 37(3), 287–303.
  4. World Health Organization. (2011). Haemoglobin concentrations for the diagnosis of anaemia and assessment of severity. Geneva: WHO. External link