What does the term 'hemoglobin' refer to in a CBC?

The term 'hemoglobin' in the context of a complete blood count (CBC) specifically refers to the concentration of hemoglobin in whole blood. Hemoglobin is a protein found within red blood cells (RBCs) that is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues and returning carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Measuring the hemoglobin concentration is crucial for assessing an individual's oxygen-carrying capacity and can indicate various conditions, such as anemia or polycythemia.

Understanding the measurement provides valuable information about a patient's hematologic status. While the count of white blood cells and platelets are important components of a CBC, they refer to different blood cells and their respective functions rather than the hemoglobin itself. Similarly, the percentage of RBCs in blood, known as hematocrit, is a distinct measurement that does not directly reflect hemoglobin levels. Thus, the concentration of hemoglobin is the most accurate interpretation of what 'hemoglobin' signifies in a CBC.