--- title: Hemoglobin Test type: biomarker url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hemoglobin" also_known_as: - hemoglobin - hgb - hb category: Blood Health units: - g/dL order_price_usd: 21.99 order_item: CBC with Differential order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/cbc-with-differential" reviewed_at: 2026-09-05 --- # Hemoglobin > Hemoglobin is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 13.5 – 17.5 g/dL (male, age 18+; more bands below). At TestWell it's $21.99 all-in as CBC with Differential, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis. Also known as: hemoglobin, hgb, hb. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Units | g/dL | | Sample | Blood draw | | Fasting | Not required | | Results | 1–3 business days | | Price | $21.99 | | Labs | Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ | ## What does Hemoglobin measure? The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. ## What is the normal range for Hemoglobin? | Population | Reference range | | --- | --- | | Male, age 18+ | 13.5 – 17.5 g/dL | | Female, age 18+ | 12.0 – 15.5 g/dL | Reference intervals differ slightly between labs; the range printed on your report is the one to interpret against. Ranges are usually set so 95% of healthy people fall inside them. ## What does a high Hemoglobin mean? Often reflects dehydration, smoking, or living at high altitude. In rare cases it can signal a blood disorder. ## What does a low Hemoglobin mean? Commonly associated with anemia from iron deficiency, blood loss, chronic disease, or certain vitamin deficiencies. ## How do you get tested for Hemoglobin? | Order | Type | Price | Includes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [CBC with Differential](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cbc-with-differential) | Single test | $21.99 | This marker | | [General Wellness Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/general-wellness-panel) | Panel | $49.99 | 4 tests | | [Baseline Anemia Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/anemia-panel) | Panel | $74.99 | 5 tests | | [Fatty Liver Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/fatty-liver-panel) | Panel | $92.99 | 6 tests | | [Post-COVID Recovery Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/post-covid-panel) | Panel | $99.99 | 7 tests | ## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference | Lab | Available | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $21.99 | Choose Quest at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | Labcorp | Yes | $21.99 | Choose Labcorp at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $18.99 | New York and New Jersey orders route here automatically — state rules keep Quest and Labcorp from accepting self-ordered draws. | - [What a high Hemoglobin means (causes, symptoms, next steps)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hemoglobin/high) - [What a low Hemoglobin means (causes, symptoms, next steps)](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hemoglobin/low) ## Common questions about Hemoglobin ### Do I need a doctor's order to test my hemoglobin? No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor. ### How long does it take to get Hemoglobin results? Most Hemoglobin results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal. ### How much does a Hemoglobin test cost? Our CBC with Differential starts at $21.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. ### Do I need to fast before my Hemoglobin test? Fasting is not required for the Hemoglobin test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day. ### Which lab will process my Hemoglobin test? Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations. ## Sources - [Mayo Clinic Labs](https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/9109) - [MedlinePlus (NIH) — Hemoglobin Test](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hemoglobin-test/) ## Related biomarkers - [Hematocrit](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hematocrit) - [White Blood Cell Count](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/white-blood-cell-count) - [Platelet Count](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/platelet-count) - [Red Blood Cell Count](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/red-blood-cell-count) - [MCV](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/mcv) - [MCH](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/mch) - [Reference range lookup tool](https://www.test-well.com/tools/reference-range-lookup) - [Lab unit converter](https://www.test-well.com/tools/lab-unit-converter) - [All biomarkers](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers) --- Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-05. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hemoglobin Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.