Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

hemodialysis
See 
dialysis.
hemoglobin
The oxygen-carrying protein pig-
ment in the blood, specifically in the red blood
cells. Abbreviated Hb. Hb is usually measured as
total Hb expressed as the amount of Hb in grams
(gm) per deciliter (dl) of whole blood. The normal
ranges are approximately 14 to 17 gm/dl for adult
men and 12 to 15 gm/dl for adult women. Values
returned on Hb tests may vary slightly between lab-
oratories. See also 
CBC.
hemoglobin A
Normal adult hemoglobin, the
main type of hemoglobin found after infancy. The A
stands for adult.
hemoglobin A1c
A minor component of hemo-
globin to which glucose is bound. Abbreviated
HbA1c. HbA1c levels depend on the blood glucose
concentration: The higher the glucose concentra-
tion in blood, the higher the level of HbA1c. Levels
of HbA1c are not influenced by daily fluctuations in
the blood glucose concentration but reflect the
average glucose levels over the prior 6 to 8 weeks.
Measurement of HbA1c is a useful indicator of how
well the blood glucose level has been controlled in
the recent past and may be used to monitor the
effects of diet, exercise, and drug therapy on blood
glucose in patients with diabetes. In healthy people
without diabetes, the HbA1c level is less than 7 per-
cent of total hemoglobin. Also known as glycosy-
lated or glucosylated hemoglobin.
hemoglobin E
Normal embryonic hemoglobin,
the main type of hemoglobin found in the human
embryo. The E stands for embryonic and also for
epsilon, a chain that is unique to embryonic hemo-
globin. Originally known as Gower-2.
hemoglobin F
Normal fetal hemoglobin, the
main type of hemoglobin found in the fetus and
newborn baby. The F stands for fetal.