What does red cell distribution width mean?

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is one of the numbers or blood cell indices that is included as part of a complete blood count (CBC), and describes the variation in the size of red blood cells in a sample of blood. A higher RDW means that there is a greater variation in the size of red blood cells than expected.

What does low red blood cell distribution width mean?

Instead, it refers to the difference in size from your largest to your smallest red blood cell. A low RDW means your red blood cells are all about the same size. A high RDW means you have both very small and very large red blood cells. You may also have a normal RDW.

How can red cell distribution width be reduced?

When MCV is low, RDW would increase more significantly. When iron therapy is given, RDW would elevate first and then gradually reduce at the normal level. To diagnose small cell and low pigment anaemia.

What does it mean when you have a high red blood cell count?

Red blood cells transport oxygen from your lungs to tissues throughout your body. A high red blood cell count can result from a condition that limits your oxygen supply or a condition that directly increases red blood cell production.

Is high red blood cell count bad?

A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder, although it doesn’t always indicate a health problem. Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count.