What is the purpose of conducting a hemoglobin test?

The primary purpose of conducting a hemoglobin test is to determine if anemia is present. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, and measuring its levels can provide valuable information about a person's blood health. A low hemoglobin level typically indicates anemia, which can result from various factors including nutritional deficiencies, blood loss, or underlying medical conditions.

While other tests are used for different purposes—for instance, blood typing assesses the specific characteristics of blood groups; electrolyte balance analysis measures the levels of essential ions like sodium and potassium; and kidney function tests evaluate how well the kidneys are working—the hemoglobin test specifically focuses on oxygen-carrying capacity and anemia diagnosis, making it distinct from the other options.