Introduction
A Red Cell Distribution width (RDW) test determines red blood cells' volume and size disparities. These cells transport oxygen from the lungs to all the body's cells. All cells require oxygen to develop, generate new cells, and prevent illness. The potential of red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues and organs is influenced by their size.
Red blood cells should all be around the same size in normal circumstances. A high RDW indicates a significant variation in size between the finest and biggest red blood cells. This might be a symptom of a medical problem. Also, as part of a complete blood count (CBC), the red cell distribution width (RDW) test is used in conjunction with other RBC indices, mainly mean corpuscular volume (MCV), to diagnose the causes of anemia. A licensed specialist does these tests.
The red cell distribution width (RDW) result is assessed by comparing it to a reference interval, a set of numbers provided by the testing laboratory as an expected red cell distribution width for healthy persons.
What Is a Red Blood Cell (RBC)?
Bone marrow, a spongy structure containing stem cells, produces red blood cells. The red blood cell is one of the components of blood, a complicated combination of several components.
Red blood cells are tiny and have the form of a flat disc or doughnut, which is circular with a central depression but not hollow. Because red blood cells may not have a nucleus like white blood cells, they may change form and travel around the body more easily.
Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, is responsible for transporting oxygen.
What Is the Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) Test?
The red cell distribution width (RDW) is a blood test determining how much red blood cells fluctuate in volume and size. If the width or volume of red blood cells departs from the normal range, it may indicate a biological problem that could affect oxygen delivery throughout the body.
Size counts when it comes to red blood cells. The size of healthy red blood cells is similar, ranging from 6.2 micrometers to 8.2 micrometers. Anemia can be detected by having red blood cells that are substantially different in size from one another. Anemia is a disorder in which the organs are deprived of oxygen due to a lack of healthy red blood cells.
An RDW test is used with other tests to diagnose and pinpoint the causes of anemia. This test is part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC), a standard test used to diagnose and monitor various health problems. RDW is coupled with a panel of tests known as the red blood cell indices in a CBC report, which offer information on various characteristics and quality of red blood cells.
Why Is RDW Test Required?
The RDW test is used to identify several kinds of anemia and other medical disorders, which is frequently done as part of a complete blood count (CBC). These tests are used to assess general health and, in certain situations, to identify infection or other disorders such as:
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Thalassemias (genetic blood abnormalities that can result in severe anemia).
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Diabetes mellitus (a type of diabetes in which blood sugar level is elevated).
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Cancer, heart disease, or liver disease.
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Atherosclerosis (a kind of cardiovascular disease).
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Kidney disease.
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Thalassemia (a blood disorder that causes a lack of enough blood protein called hemoglobin).
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Crohn's disease (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).
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Vitamins and minerals (iron, vitamin B12, or folate) are deficient.
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Feeling weak or dizzy.
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Pale or dry skin.
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Headache.
What Are the Procedures for Taking RDW Tests?
The anticipated steps are as follows:
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During the procedure, the needle's insertion area will be thoroughly cleaned.
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An elastic band will be put around the arm above the injection site to reduce blood flow and make the vein easier to see and access.
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The blood is drawn. The patient may feel a slight sting or squeeze as the needle is placed.
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After the needle is removed, a bandage is placed at the injection site.
How To Interpret the Results of the RDW Test?
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The normal range for red cell distribution width (RDW) in adult females is 12.2 to 16.1 percent, and in adult men, it ranges from 11.8 to 14.5 percent.
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If the value falls outside this range, the individual has a vitamin deficiency, an infection, or another ailment. Even though the RDW levels are normal, people might suffer from a medical condition.
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If the red cell distribution width is less than 10.2 percent, it indicates that the size of red blood cells is very small. However, in such cases, a person is usually unaffected by anemia.
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To make an appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendation, the doctor must integrate the results of additional blood tests, such as the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) test, which is also part of a CBC or complete blood count.
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When combined with other tests, RDW data can help clarify the type of anemia and confirm the diagnosis.
What Are the Risk Factors Associated With RDW Tests?
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A Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) blood test is a relatively painless procedure with few adverse effects. For a short time, some may experience minor discomfort.
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There may be some bruising at the injection site, but this will go away after a few days.
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Some might feel dizzy or lightheaded following a blood draw, although this passes typically quickly.
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These adverse effects are possible, although they are uncommon.
What Is the NRBC Test?
NRBC (Nucleated Red Blood Cell) test is also a part of the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test. It is a test of red blood cells with a nucleus and is performed to measure the count of cells in the bloodstream.
Conclusion
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) tests determine the size differences of blood cells in a sample. RDW tests can reveal the existence of anemia and various other health issues. It could help to figure out what is causing the problem. When paired with additional testing, an RDW blood test can assist in validating test findings for blood disorders and certain other illnesses. However, the physician must first make a diagnosis before offering the patient treatment alternatives.
The doctor may prescribe Vitamin supplements, medicine, or nutritional modifications, based on the intensity of the issue. Maintaining a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, staying active and fit, and avoiding tobacco can all help to reduce increased Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) levels.
