Lab Test Interpretation
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The RDW blood test measures the size variation in red blood cells, which can help detect anemia, nutrient deficiencies, and chronic conditions. Managing high or low RDW levels is crucial for overall health and early diagnosis of potential issues.
RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) is a measurement that shows the range of sizes of red blood cells (RBCs) in your blood sample.
Red blood cells are crucial for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and their size can vary depending on a person's health status. RDW specifically looks at this size variability and helps doctors understand if there is an issue with how these cells are being produced or maintained in the body.
A healthy body tends to produce red blood cells that are relatively uniform in size, but certain health conditions can cause significant size variations.
By measuring RDW, healthcare professionals gain insights into whether your body is struggling with issues like nutrient deficiencies, chronic diseases, or blood disorders.
Doctors may recommend this test for a variety of reasons. Here are common situations where RDW testing might be prescribed:
RDW is measured through a blood test, specifically as part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC). A small sample of blood is taken, usually from a vein in your arm, and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The CBC not only measures RDW but also looks at other components of your blood, including red and white blood cell counts and platelets.
The RDW test calculates how much the size of your red blood cells varies by first measuring the Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), which represents the average size of your red blood cells. After MCV is determined, a special formula is used to calculate RDW.
Special Preparations for RDW Testing
To ensure accurate results, here are a few things to keep in mind before getting your RDW tested:
The normal range for RDW in adults is typically between 11.5% and 14.5%.
Note: The units of measurement and the normal ranges can differ depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used.
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A high RDW indicates that there is a significant variation in the size of your red blood cells. This can be a sign of various health issues. Some of the most common causes of elevated RDW levels include:
While low RDW levels are rare, they generally aren’t considered a cause for concern. However, in some cases, they may suggest issues like:
If your RDW levels are abnormal, the type of specialist you should consult depends on the underlying issue suspected. Here are some of the professionals you might be referred to:
A significantly high RDW (above 14.5%) may indicate conditions like anemia, nutrient deficiencies, or chronic diseases, and should be evaluated by a doctor.
While a high RDW level alone doesn't diagnose cancer, it may suggest an underlying issue that requires further investigation, such as chronic illness or blood disorders. Always consult a healthcare provider for a full assessment.
This article was written by doctors from the Docus Medical Research team and reviewed by leading experts in hematology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology. We relied on academic studies, medical research, and publications from credible sources to ensure the information provided is accurate and trustworthy.
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