RED BLOOD CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH Meaning and
Definition
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Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a quantitative measure used to evaluate the variation in the size of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in a given blood sample. It is often reported as a percentage and is an important parameter in the complete blood count (CBC) test, a routine blood test that provides information about various aspects of blood composition.
The RDW value reflects the heterogeneity in the size of red blood cells. Normally, red blood cells are relatively uniform in size and shape. However, certain health conditions can cause an abnormal distribution in their sizes. High RDW values indicate a wide range of sizes of red blood cells, which is known as anisocytosis. Conversely, low RDW values indicate a more consistent size distribution.
The red blood cell distribution width can be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring different medical conditions. For instance, it is commonly used to distinguish between different types of anemias, as various types of anemia exhibit distinctive RDW patterns. It can also assist in evaluating the effectiveness of certain treatments and therapies, as an abnormal RDW value may indicate an ongoing process or response to treatment.
Overall, red blood cell distribution width is a quantitative measurement of the variation in the size of red blood cells. It provides valuable insights into the blood composition and helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions, particularly those related to anemia.
