What does RDW mean on CBC?
The red cell distribution width (RDW) test measures variation in red blood cell size or red blood cell volume as a part of a complete blood count (CBC), and it is used along with other RBC indices, especially mean corpuscular volume (MCV), to help determine the causes of anemia.
What is the normal range for RDW?
A normal range for red cell distribution width is 12.2 to 16.1 percent in adult females and 11.8 to 14.5 percent in adult males. If you score outside this range, you could have a nutrient deficiency, infection, or other disorder. However, even at normal RDW levels, you may still have a medical condition.
What should the results of the RDW blood test be?
The RDW test results for children should be between 12% and 14% depending on their age. 2 High and normal RDW levels in a blood test can help to tell a lot about your health.
What causes red blood cells to be low in RDW?
Low RDW can also be linked with microcytic anemia. In this condition, the red blood cells are abnormally small. The variation in size causes the red blood cell distribution width to be low. (5)
What happens if your MCV is high but your RDW is low?
A high MCV with a high RDW occurs in some macrocytic anemias. A low MCV with a high RDW occurs in microcytic anemias. If you receive a normal RDW with a low MCV, you may have an anemia resulting from a chronic disease, such as that caused by chronic kidney disease. If your RDW result is normal but you have a high MCV, you may have aplastic anemia.
What does red cell distribution width ( RDW ) mean?
What is Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) Blood Test? RDW lab test is usually part of a complete blood count (CBC) and is used in conjunction with the MCV test results (or, red blood cell mean corpuscular volume) to tell about your health. Usually, a doctor will take the blood test if there are concerns that you have anemia.
What’s the normal RDW for red blood cells?
Red blood cells distribution width’s normal value is between 10.2% and 14.5%. However, the value varies depending on the age of the patient and the equipment used in the blood test. Based on the normal values, you can see if the patient’s RDW is high or low.
How are the RDW results interpreted in adults?
How are the RDW results interpreted? A normal range for red cell distribution width is 12.2 to 16.1 percent in adult females and 11.8 to 14.5 percent in adult males. If you score outside this range, you could have a nutrient deficiency, infection, or other disorder. However, even at normal RDW levels, you may still have a medical condition.
How long does it take for a RDW blood test?
Prior to an RDW blood test, you may be asked to fast, depending on what other blood tests your doctor has ordered. Your doctor will provide you with any special instructions before your test. The test itself takes no more than 5 minutes. A healthcare provider will take a sample of your blood from a vein and store it in a tube.
What causes low RDW levels in blood test?
Microcytic anemia might also lead to low RDW levels, as all the blood cells are small in size and there is no significant variation to cause the RDW levels to become elevated. There are a wide range of medical conditions that lead to a significant difference whereas the cell size is concerned.