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What does RDW mean in a blood test?
RDW Blood Test: High & Low Levels + Normal Range RDW or red blood cell distribution width is a measure of how equal your red blood cells are in size. It can help your doctor diagnose various blood-related disorders and diseases.
What is red cell distribution width (RDW)?
By Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer. Red cell distribution width (RDW for short) is a blood test used to measure the difference in size and volume of your red blood cells. Doctors use the RDW blood test as part of a complete blood test to help diagnose certain conditions that can affect your health.
Can you have High RDW and low RDW levels?
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 ]. It happens when, for any reason, the body is having issues producing red blood cells. Causes listed below are commonly associated with high RDW.
What is the effect of low RDW on mortality and morbidity?
A low RDW during the syndrome was associated with a significantly lower heart disease and all-cause mortality and a lower risk of subsequent risk of having a major adverse cardiovascular event (such as heart disease or stroke) [ 55 ].
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Do rotating shifts increase the risk of High RDW?
In a study of 7k women, those on rotating shifts had almost 50% increased odds of having elevated RDW compared with women working day shifts [ 37 ]. 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 ].
The red cell distribution width (RDW) blood test measures the amount of red blood cell variation in volume and size. You need red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to every part of your body.
What is the prognostic value of RDW?
RDW has a prognostic value in non-hematologic conditions. RDW Blood Test has some limitations. If the level of RDW is checked after a blood transfusion, it won’t lead to an accurate result. It usually leads to a false high result, especially if the lab uses EDTA anti-coagulated blood.
How do you prepare for an RDW blood test?
If the results of a CBC show low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin, this usually suggests anemia. Doctors will then try to determine the cause of the condition using the RDW and other tests. Having a RDW test requires no special preparation.