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Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It also helps carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs, where it can be breathed out of the body.

Abnormally low levels of hemoglobin result in anemia.

Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Maria Essig
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology/Oncology
Last Updated September 12, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 12, 2008
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