What is rdw blood

A low RDW is not a cause for concern. But even if you have a low RDW, still you may have a blood disease. A CBC test measures blood components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets as well as determines the number and type of blood cells.

Suppose your RDW blood test results indicate that you have anaemia. In that case, you need to undergo treatment to increase the capacity of your red blood cells. Based on the severity of your existing condition, your doctor may recommend medications, iron supplements and ask you to make changes in your diet.

If your RDW is normal and the MCV is also normal, then you may still have anaemia due to blood loss or a chronic medical condition. When your RDW is normal, but the MCV is low, then it can be a sign of anaemia as a result of thalassemia or a chronic condition.

If other blood components are affected, it may indicate aplastic anaemia inability of the body to produce sufficient blood cells. High RDW If your results are above the normal RDW range, it is called a high RDW count, which can be a sign of: Microcytic anaemia: It is a condition characterised by the presence of red blood cells that are smaller than its normal size. Macrocytic anaemia: It is a condition characterised by the presence of red blood cells that are larger than its normal size.

It can also indicate a lack of folate or B What are the other tests done to identify anaemia? In other words, there is some issue with red blood cell production or survival [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]. RDW normally ranges from The range may slightly vary between laboratories.

Your doctor will interpret your results in conjunction with your medical history and other test results. A low value indicates that your red blood cells are uniform in size. This is desirable and not a cause for concern [ 3 ]. However, it is still possible to have a blood-related disease and low RDW levels [ 3 ]. A high RDW means that your red blood cells are unequal in size. This condition is called anisocytosis [ 2 , 3 ]. Causes listed below are commonly associated with high RDW.

If your RDW is high, work with your doctor or another health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis. This happens because all of these nutrients are needed to produce healthy red blood cells. Any of these deficiencies can eventually lead to anemia.

Alcoholics can have a high RDW without having liver disease. This is because alcohol can have toxic effects on red blood cells [ 13 ]. RDW is increased in various liver diseases, including hepatitis, alcoholic liver cirrhosis, biliary cirrhosis, and liver cancer [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].

Inflammatory cytokines can hinder red blood cell production, and thereby increase RDW levels. In addition, oxidative stress that often accompanies chronic inflammation can decrease the lifespan of red blood cells and further increase RDW values [ 6 , 7 ]. If a person has many blood transfusions, their RDW can increase due to the differences in blood cells between the donor and the recipient [ 12 , 31 ]. Bleeding in Injuries increase RDW [ 32 ]. Bleeding may not necessarily be visible, as is the case with gut bleeding [ 33 , 34 ].

Erythropoietin , a hormone produced by the kidneys, is needed for the production and maturation of red blood cells. Abnormal production of this hormone happens in kidney disease leading to increased RDW [ 1 ].

People with decreased kidney function have higher RDW levels [ 35 ]. In a study of over RDW is also affected by shift work. RDW is higher in people with sleep apnea [ 38 , 39 ]. Hereditary red blood cell disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and spherocytosis can increase RDW [ 12 , 40 , 12 ].

Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Learn about a blood smear, including why it's done, what to expect during it, and how to interpret its results.

Learn the ins and outs of MRI vs. X-ray imaging tests, including the pros and cons of each test, how they compare to CT scans, how much they cost, and…. Paracentesis is a procedure to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity. This fluid buildup is called ascites. Learn about preparation, recovery…. Learn more. An abdominal film is an X-ray of the abdomen. This type of X-ray can be used to diagnose many conditions.

Learn more here. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Andrew Gonzalez, M. However, with certain diseases, you may still have a normal RDW. Why is the RDW test done? How do you prepare for the test? How are the RDW results interpreted? Read this next. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.

Medically reviewed by Shuvani Sanyal, MD. Blood Smear.