Red Cell Distribution Width

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Contents 1 More Specific Terms 2 Reference-interval 3 Clinical-significance 4 Increases 5 More General Terms 6 Additional Terms 7 References

More Specific Terms

• complete blood count (CBC)

Reference-interval

• 11.5-14.5%

Clinical-significance

• normal values with:

• thalassemia
• anemia of chronic disease
• acute blood loss
• spherocytosis

Increases

• anemias

• iron deficiency anemia
• megaloblastic anemia
• myelophthisic anemia
• sideroblastic anemia
• homozygous thalassemia
• some hemoglobinopathies

• marked reticulocytosis
• red cell transfusions
• cold agglutinins
• high leukocyte count (i.e. CLL)
• hyperglycemia
• red cell fragmentation

• * standard deviations for normal individuals & individuals with different types of anemia tend to overlap limiting the utility of RDW

More General Terms

• clinical hematology test

Additional Terms

• erythrocyte

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

red cell distribution width (RDW)