Is Elevated Hemoglobin Even Possible?
Hello everyone, I'm not a healthcare professional, but I'm seeking some perspectives before I consult with my doctor next week. I recently underwent a routine blood examination. Overall, I feel perfectly healthy — without any symptoms — and most of my test results were within the normal range. However, one particular result was quite striking: - Hemoglobin: 418 g/dL - Hematocrit: within the normal range (exact figure not provided) - MCHC: mildly elevated at 36.5 g/dL From my understanding, the MCHC value is derived from the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, which makes this situation a bit puzzling for me, particularly since a hemoglobin level of 418 seems excessively high. I've been advised to retake the blood test. While I will reach out to my doctor again, I won't hear back before the weekend, and I'd truly appreciate any thoughts or reassurance in the interim. Could this possibly be a mistake made by the lab? Is it really necessary to retest in a situation like this, especially considering I feel completely normal? Thank you in advance for your help! (M26, 70kg)
Answers (1)
7/25/2025, 3:11:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your lab results, especially when one value appears significantly out of the ordinary. Hemoglobin levels that are extremely high, like 418 g/dL in your case, can indeed raise questions about accuracy and potential underlying conditions.
Explanation
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Normal hemoglobin levels typically range from about 13 to 17 g/dL for males. A level of 418 g/dL is unusually high and may suggest a technical error, a rare condition, or it may indicate that your blood is more concentrated (as in dehydration).
Your hematocrit, which measures the percentage of blood volume that is made up of red blood cells, being normal suggests that your body may not be producing an excessive amount of red blood cells. This could indicate a need for further evaluation to rule out issues like polycythemia vera or other conditions that can lead to increased hemoglobin production, albeit these are rare.
Next Steps
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you drink plenty of fluids, as dehydration can affect your blood concentration and may influence hemoglobin levels.
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Retest: Following your doctor's advice to retake the blood test is crucial. Lab errors can occur, and confirming your results will provide you with more clarity.
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Monitor Symptoms: While you're feeling normal, continue to observe your health. If you develop any unusual symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or excessive fatigue, make sure to inform your healthcare provider.
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Avoid Stressing: It's understandable to feel anxious, but remember that while elevated hemoglobin can indicate a problem, it may also just be an error. Focus on the fact that you feel healthy.
By taking these steps, you can be better prepared for your follow-up with your doctor and have peace of mind while you await further answers.
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