Your physician will also look into the mean corpuscular volume MCV test, which is also part of a CBC — to combine results and provide an accurate treatment recommendation.
Aplastic Anemia is a blood-related disorder where no more new blood cells are produced, including red blood cells. If your test results show low RDW levels, then there are no hematologic disorders or serious health issues. Providers Locations. The RDW test can be done in any of the following locations across the U. To know the RDW test cost, refer to the first section of the article.
Frequently Asked Questions. Will insurance cover my testing cost? No, insurance will not be covered in the billing. However, they will provide you a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes. How should I book my appointment? You can choose the most suitable provider from above and make an appointment by following the instructions mentioned by them. Can I cancel my lab test order? Yes, you can cancel your lab test order anytime before your testing.
A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider. Do the providers offer result interpretations?
Yes, a few providers may provide doctor consultation who will take you through the results and provide clarification if needed. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
If your test results indicate you have a chronic blood disorder, such as anemia, you may be put on a treatment plan to increase the amount of oxygen that your red blood cells can carry. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or making any changes in your eating plan. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.
Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. What is a red cell distribution width test? What is it used for? The RDW test may also be used to diagnose: Other blood disorders such as thalassemia , an inherited disease that can cause severe anemia Medical conditions such as heart disease , diabetes , liver disease , and cancer , especially colorectal cancer.
Why do I need an RDW test? What happens during an RDW test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? Are there any risks to the test?
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 We are dedicated to providing the most scientifically valid, unbiased, and comprehensive information on any given topic.
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Our goal is to not have a single piece of inaccurate information on this website. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please leave a comment or contact us at support selfhacked. Note that each number in parentheses [1, 2, 3, etc. 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. In addition, it is also increased in seemingly unrelated disorders and diseases that nevertheless affect blood cell production and lifespan.
These include inflammatory, autoimmune, liver, kidney, and heart disease. Keep reading to learn why having a high RDW is bad and how to improve your values. A normal red blood cell is shaped like a disk with a depressed center. It is very flexible, which enables it to change shape — this is needed for a red blood cell to squeeze through the narrowest of blood vessels called capillaries [ 1 ]. Normally, red blood cells are relatively equal in shape and size. However, in some conditions and diseases, red blood cells can have a distorted shape or be smaller or larger than normal while still maintaining their core function oxygen and carbon dioxide transport [ 1 ].
Basically, it tells you how equal or unequal your red blood cells are in size. It is a part of a complete blood count, which also measures your hemoglobin , hematocrit , and red and white blood cell counts [ 2 , 3 ]. Low values mean that your red blood cells are roughly similar in size, which is normal and desirable. Higher values mean that your red blood cells are produced in different sizes.
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