What sample is recommended for hemoglobin testing?

What sample is recommended for hemoglobin testing?

• A. Whole blood
• B. Serum
• C. Plasma
• D. Blood smear

Answer: (A)

Hemoglobin is contained inside red blood cells, so you need a sample that includes those cells to measure it accurately. Whole blood provides the cellular component (red blood cells) along with the plasma, which allows the lab method to release and quantify the hemoglobin. Serum and plasma are the liquid portions after cells have been removed; they contain little to no intact hemoglobin, making them unsuitable for a direct hemoglobin measurement. A blood smear, meanwhile, is used to look at cell appearance and morphology, not to quantify hemoglobin. Therefore, whole blood is the appropriate specimen for hemoglobin testing.

Hemoglobin is contained inside red blood cells, so you need a sample that includes those cells to measure it accurately. Whole blood provides the cellular component (red blood cells) along with the plasma, which allows the lab method to release and quantify the hemoglobin. Serum and plasma are the liquid portions after cells have been removed; they contain little to no intact hemoglobin, making them unsuitable for a direct hemoglobin measurement. A blood smear, meanwhile, is used to look at cell appearance and morphology, not to quantify hemoglobin. Therefore, whole blood is the appropriate specimen for hemoglobin testing.