Lab Test Interpretation
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PDW measures the variation in platelet size, crucial for diagnosing conditions like vascular diseases and certain cancers. Monitoring PDW levels can help detect and manage these conditions early.
PDW (Platelet Distribution Width) is expressed as a percentage and shows the width of platelet distribution by volume and their standard deviations in a blood sample. Platelets, which are small cell fragments, are essential for blood clotting.
By analyzing PDW, healthcare providers can assess whether there is significant variation in platelet size, which may indicate various health conditions.
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PDW is usually included as part of a CBC, which is often performed during an annual general check-up. It can also be specifically prescribed if there are symptoms that suggest vascular diseases or if cancer is suspected. In these cases, PDW can help provide a clearer picture of the patient's condition.
PDW is a blood test included in the Complete Blood Count (CBC).
Preparation for a PDW test is the same as for a general blood test. Typically, no special preparation is needed beyond the usual guidelines for blood testing, such as fasting if required by other tests being performed simultaneously.
For adults, the standard PDW values range from 10% to 17.9%. Staying within this range generally indicates that platelet size distribution is normal. Deviations from this range may warrant further medical evaluation.
Note: The units of measurement and the normal ranges can differ depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used.
A high PDW level suggests that there is a significant variation in platelet size. This variation can be a marker for several serious health conditions, including:
An irregular PDW result typically requires additional research or testing to determine the underlying cause.
A low PDW level indicates that there is little variation in platelet size, which can also be associated with specific health conditions:
Like high PDW levels, low PDW levels often necessitate further testing to uncover the root cause.
The specialists most commonly involved in interpreting PDW results include:
This article was written by doctors from the Docus Medical Research team and reviewed by leading experts in cardiology. We relied on academic studies, medical research, and publications from credible sources to ensure the information provided is accurate and trustworthy.
Li, M., Bai, J., Wang, S., Zhai, Y., Zhang, S., Li, C., Du, J., & Zhang, Y. (2020). Mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width serve as prognostic biomarkers in skull base chordoma: a retrospective study. BMC Cancer, 20(1).
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