RDW

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Background

  • Red cell distribution width; measure of variation in red blood cell size (anisocytosis)

Normal Values

  • Normal: 11.5-14.5%

Interpretation

  • Elevated RDW indicates variation in RBC sizes (anisocytosis)
  • Useful in distinguishing iron deficiency anemia (elevated RDW) from thalassemia trait (normal RDW)
  • Elevated in mixed-deficiency anemias, early iron/B12/folate deficiency, and transfused patients
  • Elevated RDW has been studied as a prognostic marker in heart failure, PE, and sepsis

See Also

References

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