What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, dark urine, jaundice, or shortness of breath that could point to red blood cells breaking down too quickly. It's also useful if you have a known blood disorder like sickle-cell disease or have recently had a blood transfusion or heart valve surgery and want to check for red blood cell damage. Your results can help identify if red blood cells are rupturing inside your blood vessels, a condition called intravascular hemolysis.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the amount of free hemoglobin floating in your blood plasma, which is normally kept very low because hemoglobin should stay packaged inside red blood cells. When red blood cells break apart faster than normal, hemoglobin spills into the plasma, and measuring this directly shows how much cell destruction is happening. This single, focused measurement is useful because it can catch red blood cell breakdown even before other symptoms become obvious.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with the normal range clearly explained next to your value. If your free hemoglobin is elevated, next steps typically include retesting to confirm the finding and watching for symptoms like dark urine, unusual tiredness, or paleness, and seeking medical care right away if you notice severe symptoms. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and use the trends feature to track your levels over multiple tests if you're monitoring an ongoing condition.

How can I naturally support healthy red blood cells?

Staying well-hydrated helps your kidneys clear excess hemoglobin more efficiently and reduces strain on your system. Eating iron-rich foods like leafy greens, beans, and lean meats supports your body's ability to rebuild healthy red blood cells if some have been lost. Getting enough folate and vitamin B12 from foods like eggs, dairy, and fortified cereals also helps your body produce new, healthy red blood cells. Avoiding known triggers, like extreme physical exertion in certain inherited conditions, can also help reduce episodes.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected. Once ready, they'll be uploaded directly to your secure online account where you can view and download them. You'll be able to see your specific value alongside the normal reference range so you know exactly where you stand.

Who should consider this test?

People with a known blood disorder such as sickle-cell disease, thalassemia, or hereditary spherocytosis who want to monitor red blood cell breakdown should consider this test. It's also worth considering if you've recently had a mechanical heart valve placed, gone through cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, or received a blood transfusion and want to check for a transfusion reaction. Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, dark or tea-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes may also benefit from this test.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms that suggest red blood cells may be breaking down too fast include unusual fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, dark urine, and shortness of breath. Some people also notice a rapid heartbeat or a general feeling of being unwell without an obvious cause. If you've had a recent blood transfusion and develop fever, chills, or back pain shortly after, this test can help check for a reaction.

What does high free hemoglobin mean?

A high result means more red blood cells are breaking apart in your bloodstream than normal, a process called hemolysis. This can happen due to inherited blood conditions, autoimmune reactions, mechanical damage from a heart valve, or a transfusion reaction. Depending on the cause, next steps might include retesting, staying hydrated, and watching closely for worsening symptoms like severe fatigue or dark urine, which warrant urgent medical care.

What causes high free hemoglobin?

High levels can be caused by inherited conditions like sickle-cell disease, thalassemia, or hereditary spherocytosis, all of which make red blood cells more fragile than normal. Mechanical causes include damage from a mechanical heart valve or a cardiopulmonary bypass machine during surgery. Other causes include mismatched blood transfusions, certain autoimmune conditions, and rare disorders like Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH).

How often should I retest?

If you have a known chronic blood condition, retesting every few months or whenever new symptoms appear can help you track how well it's being managed. If this is a one-time check after a transfusion or surgery, a single test soon after the event is usually enough unless symptoms persist. Use the trends feature in your account to see how your levels change over time and decide on a retesting schedule that fits your situation.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Free Hemoglobin Test - Detect Red Blood Cell Breakdown

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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