National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Hemoglobin Zurich


Other Names:
Hb-Zurich
Hemoglobin (Hb) Zurich is an inherited blood disorder. People with Hb Zurich have an abnormal form of Hb, a red blood cell (RBC) protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs. This abnormal Hb more readily binds to carbon monoxide (producing carboxyhemoglobin or COHb).[1] Normally the level of COHb is less than 1-2% in adults. People with Hb Zurich tend to have COHb levels above 3%.[2] The health effects of Hb Zurich tend to be mild compared to other inherited blood cell disorders.[3] Symptoms usually develop only when the body is stressed due to an infection or fever or when exposed to certain drugs. Symptoms develop as a result of the premature breakdown of RBC (hemolytic anemia). Click here to visit MedlinePlus.gov and view an illustration of hemoglobin.
Last updated: 3/20/2014
People with Hemoglobin (Hb) Zurich do not tend to develop symptoms unless their red blood cells are exposed to certain chemicals, infections, or to stress.[2] People with hemoglobin Zurich should avoid sulfanilamide.[1] Some cases of Hb Zurich behave similarly to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) - in that they are especially sensitive to the oxidation of red blood cells.[2] These individuals may benefit from avoiding or limiting exposure to G6PD triggers, such as antimalarial drugs, aspirin, nitrofurantoin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Quinidine, Quinine, Sulfonamide, fava beans, and mothballs.

The G6PD Deficiency Association, which is an advocacy group that provides information and supportive resources to individuals and families affected by G6PD deficiency, provides a list of drugs and food ingredients that can trigger hemolytic anemia.
Last updated: 3/20/2014

Making a diagnosis for a genetic or rare disease can often be challenging. Healthcare professionals typically look at a person’s medical history, symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory test results in order to make a diagnosis. The following resources provide information relating to diagnosis and testing for this condition. If you have questions about getting a diagnosis, you should contact a healthcare professional.

Newborn Screening

  • Baby's First Test is the nation's newborn screening education center for families and providers. This site provides information and resources about screening at the local, state, and national levels and serves as the Clearinghouse for newborn screening information.
The most important aspect of management for hemoglobin (Hb) Zurich is to avoid agents that might trigger hemolytic anemia. Mild hemolytic anemia may not need treatment, as long as the condition doesn't worsen. Treatments for severe hemolytic anemia include blood transfusions, medicines, and plasmapheresis. Click here to visit the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute to learn more about treatment.
Last updated: 3/20/2014

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Hemoglobin Zurich. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  • What is hemoglobin Zurich? I want to learn about the symptoms, suggested diet/nutrition, medicine's to stay away from, and lifestyle changes for someone diagnosed with this disorder. Any information you have. Many members of my family have this disorder and most have not had any info provided to them. See answer


  1. Steinberg MH. Unstable hemoglobin variants. In: Basow M. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate; 2014; Accessed 3/20/2014.
  2. Steinberg MH, Orget BG, Higgs DR, Veatherall DJ. Disorders of Hemoglobin: Genetics, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Management. Oxford: Cambridge University; August 2009; Accessed 3/20/2014.
  3. Benz EJ Jr, Ebert BL. Hemoglobin Variants Associated With Hemolytic Anemia, Altered Oxygen Affinity, and Methemoglobinemias. In: Hoffman. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice, 6th ed. 2012; Accessed 3/20/2014.
  4. Dugdale DC, Mason JR. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency . MedlinePlus. March 2010; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000528.htm. Accessed 10/11/2011.
  5. What is Hemolytic Anemia?. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. April 2011; http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ha/. Accessed 3/20/2014.