Health Encyclopedia

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin

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.

Last Revised: August 6, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology, Oncology

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