Contents

Search

red cell distribution width (RDW)

Reference interval: - 11.5-14.5% Clinical significance: - normal values with: a) thalassemia b) anemia of chronic disease c) acute blood loss d) spherocytosis Increases: 1) anemias a) iron deficiency anemia b) megaloblastic anemia c) myelophthisic anemia d) sideroblastic anemia e) homozygous thalassemia f) some hemoglobinopathies 2) marked reticulocytosis 3) red cell transfusions 4) cold agglutinins 5) high leukocyte count (i.e. CLL) 6) hyperglycemia 7) red cell fragmentation * standard deviations for normal individuals & individuals with different types of anemia tend to overlap limiting the utility of RDW

Related

erythrocyte; red blood cell (RBC)

Specific

reticulocyte distribution width

General

clinical hematology test

References

  1. Clinical Diagnosis & Management by Laboratory Methods, 19th edition, J.B. Henry (ed), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA. 1996, pg 79
  2. Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 3rd edition, NW Tietz ed, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1995
  3. Panel of 10 tests Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: 40002
  4. Panel of 24 tests Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: 40003

Component-of

complete blood count (CBC)