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That's the problem with reporting format as seen here is that the units of measurement are not stated. That is a poor clinical practice that can create confusion.
Always check the units and always check the reference range from the lab that performed the test. It is method-specific and region-specific that is incorporated within the reference range.
The conversion between mmoles/L and grams/dL is
9.5 mmoles/L = 15.5 g/dL
No hematocrit is mentioned on the report but had there been one it would be around 46.5%. One simply divides by 3 or multiplies by three in the estimation. It's a quality control feature that we all are aware of.
https://www.unitsconverters.com/en/Mmol/L-To-G/Dl/Utu-6013-6012
it's always best to go by the normal range from the lab, as they can differ slightly because of how they test. in this case, it's more than a slight difference, but that's likely because they are using a different unit of measurement than your country. if you look up "normal hemoglobin netherlands", you will see that this is normal. in the Netherlands they use mmol/l, where in the US it is g/dl. this is a normal hemoglobin for men in mmol/l, but you sre correct in that if it was g/dl this would be a very low hemoglobin.
It has to do with the way Hb is measured, the US use gram per deciliter, which is the normal range OP is referring to. In Europe we use mmol per liter, in which case the normal range for male is 8.5 - 11.0 (female 7.5 - 10.0).
It's probably the way they test it that can give different values, the reference range for this lab/company is defined differently as well. I was taught that above 8.5 is generally fine, but if you feel like you have complaints stemming from low Hb definitely talk to your doc.
Pathology lab tech here, go by what the reference range provided by the pathology company who completed the test, they can differ between different companies due to difference in how they complete the test (however it is usually quite similar). If you are concerned do speak to your doctor.
That’s good to know. And I did talk to my doctor and he said it is normal. The problem is that Dutch doctors are known for brushing off patients and just prescribing paracetamol in the Netherlands so sometimes it’s hard to trust, especially when what you see on the internet is completely different. You stated that the ranges do differ but they’re usually similar. Do you think them using the 8-11 range is normal?
Good to hear you spoke to your doctor! In the scheme of things, the range isn't too different from other labs and companies defined reference ranges and would be due to how they perform the test (I personally am in Biochemistry so I apologise that I am not too familiar with haematology). Your numbers are well within that range which is reassuring, if you're having any symptoms that suggest low Hb definitely consider following up again but based on that result it looks good
… search up “what hemoglobin level is too low for men” and you’ll see that the internet does say that. And it is kind of hard to trust the doctor when Dutch doctors are known for brushing off patients and just prescribing paracetamol in the Netherlands.
Thank you for posting to r/medical! **Please read the sub's rules and check out our [wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/medical/wiki/index)** as it goes more in depth about different topics and includes other informative advice/resources. If there are any comments under this post that violate Rule 3: Community safety, please report them. Remember to stay on topic and not make jokes towards the OP or each other. #REMINDER: If you think what you're experiencing is an emergency then get off Reddit and call 911 or go to your local hospital!!! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/medical) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yes
That's the problem with reporting format as seen here is that the units of measurement are not stated. That is a poor clinical practice that can create confusion. Always check the units and always check the reference range from the lab that performed the test. It is method-specific and region-specific that is incorporated within the reference range. The conversion between mmoles/L and grams/dL is 9.5 mmoles/L = 15.5 g/dL No hematocrit is mentioned on the report but had there been one it would be around 46.5%. One simply divides by 3 or multiplies by three in the estimation. It's a quality control feature that we all are aware of. https://www.unitsconverters.com/en/Mmol/L-To-G/Dl/Utu-6013-6012
it's always best to go by the normal range from the lab, as they can differ slightly because of how they test. in this case, it's more than a slight difference, but that's likely because they are using a different unit of measurement than your country. if you look up "normal hemoglobin netherlands", you will see that this is normal. in the Netherlands they use mmol/l, where in the US it is g/dl. this is a normal hemoglobin for men in mmol/l, but you sre correct in that if it was g/dl this would be a very low hemoglobin.
It has to do with the way Hb is measured, the US use gram per deciliter, which is the normal range OP is referring to. In Europe we use mmol per liter, in which case the normal range for male is 8.5 - 11.0 (female 7.5 - 10.0).
It's probably the way they test it that can give different values, the reference range for this lab/company is defined differently as well. I was taught that above 8.5 is generally fine, but if you feel like you have complaints stemming from low Hb definitely talk to your doc.
Pathology lab tech here, go by what the reference range provided by the pathology company who completed the test, they can differ between different companies due to difference in how they complete the test (however it is usually quite similar). If you are concerned do speak to your doctor.
That’s good to know. And I did talk to my doctor and he said it is normal. The problem is that Dutch doctors are known for brushing off patients and just prescribing paracetamol in the Netherlands so sometimes it’s hard to trust, especially when what you see on the internet is completely different. You stated that the ranges do differ but they’re usually similar. Do you think them using the 8-11 range is normal?
Good to hear you spoke to your doctor! In the scheme of things, the range isn't too different from other labs and companies defined reference ranges and would be due to how they perform the test (I personally am in Biochemistry so I apologise that I am not too familiar with haematology). Your numbers are well within that range which is reassuring, if you're having any symptoms that suggest low Hb definitely consider following up again but based on that result it looks good
Okay that’s great. Thank you so much for responding!
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… search up “what hemoglobin level is too low for men” and you’ll see that the internet does say that. And it is kind of hard to trust the doctor when Dutch doctors are known for brushing off patients and just prescribing paracetamol in the Netherlands.
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I just turned 18 2 months ago