Variations in your red blood cell sizes and volumes can be evaluated with a red cell distribution width (RDW) test (erythrocytes). Each cell in your body relies on red blood cells to transport oxygen from your lungs. Yet RDW is not a standalone parameter in Cbc interpretation (CBC)
What is RDW in Blood Test?
According to various health reports, The RDW blood test calculates the percentage of variation in red blood cell volume and size. Red blood cells are essential for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
If your red blood cell width or volume is significantly different from the norm, it may be an indicator of a health issue that prevents oxygen from reaching all of your body’s tissues. Therefore, even if you have one of those conditions, your RDW can be fine.
Red blood cells typically range in size from 6 to 8 micrometers (m) in diameter. If there is a big difference between the largest and smallest sizes, your RDW will be higher. This indicates that your RDW will be high if your red blood cells, on average are small but you also have a large number of very small cells.
Just as your RDW will rise if your RBCs are generally large, it will also rise if you have a significant number of extremely large cells. This is why reading a CBC does not rely solely on RDW.
Instead, it lends nuance to the relationship between hemoglobin (hgb) and means corpuscular value (MCV). A high RDW could indicate a nutritional shortage, anemia or another health issue.
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Is There a Purpose for the RDW Test?
The RDW test is used to help diagnose types of anemia and other medical conditions including:
- thalassemias, which are inherited blood disorder that can cause severe anemia
- diabetes mellitus
- heart disease
- liver disease
- cancer
The test is typically part of a full blood count (CBC). The complete blood count (CBC) measures numerous blood components, including platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells, to identify the patient’s cellular makeup and overall health.
The results of these exams can tell you a lot about your general health and perhaps help to diagnose certain infections and illnesses.
A CBC may include an RDW test if your doctor suspects you have:
- anemia symptoms, such as dizziness, pale skin, and numbness
- an iron or vitamin deficiency
- a family history of a blood disorder, such as sickle cell anemia
- significant blood loss from surgery or trauma
- been diagnosed with a disease that affects red blood cells
- a chronic illness, such as HIV or AIDS
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