Our body works as a machine with such complex systems that it may seem simple when we look at it from the outside. However, even the oxygen that we breathe thousands of times a day is spread in our body thanks to a team game of red blood cells. For this reason, the sizes and volumes of red blood cells, referred to as RDW for short, are extremely important.
The RDW test is also done to measure the size of these cells exactly. The RDW is not actually a blood test per se, it is just one part of a large blood test study. However, if the results are high, many different diseases, especially anemia, can be suspected. Let’s take a closer look at what RDW is, what is measured with the test, and see in all details what its height or low means.
What is RDW in blood test, what does it show?
Red blood cell distribution width, RDW for short, to translate directly into our language, red blood cell distribution width; It is a value that shows the diversity of red blood cells in our blood in terms of size and volume. Red blood cells send the oxygen in the lungs to the organs and tissues in our body to burn them as energy, so their size is extremely important.
It is necessary to distinguish between the RDW test and the complete blood count test. RDW examination can be done as part of a whole blood test because both white and red blood cells and platelets are measured during this test. In the RDW test, only the size of red blood cells is measured. In other words, although both are related to blood, there is an important distinction between them in terms of scope.
Why are RDW tests done, what do they measure?
In the RDW test, the general condition of the cells is examined through a sample of the red blood cells in your body. This cell distribution width is measured on a graph called a histogram. Your RDW value is evaluated as low or high as a result of cells clustering in a region or different distances between them in the histogram.
There may be many different reasons for performing the RDW test, and your doctor will decide on this test according to the symptoms. However, the most important reason for performing an RDW test is the suspicion of anemia, a type of blood disease. Some of the symptoms of anemia and the reasons for requesting the RDW test are as follows;
- feeling of burnout
- Shortness of breath
- feeling cold in limbs
- being cold all the time
- frequent dizziness
- frequent headache
- Unusual discoloration or dryness of the skin
According to the results of the RDW test, anemia, some of which we have given above, can be detected. However, the results of the RDW test performed together with the complete blood count may be a harbinger of other diseases along with anemia. Some of these diseases are as follows;
- types of cancer
- cardiovascular diseases
- kidney diseases
- Liver diseases
- Thalassemia, also known as Mediterranean anemia
- Diabetes
- AIDS
- Different vitamin and mineral deficiencies
What is RDW height, why does it rise?
If the RDW test results reveal that your red blood cells are much larger in volume than expected, this is called RDW elevation. High RDW is considered dangerous because it can be a symptom of the anemia and other diseases mentioned above. In such a case, your doctor will also request other tests.
What is RDW low, why does it drop?
If the RDW test results reveal that your red blood cells are much smaller in volume than expected, this is called low RDW. A low RDW is not considered a dangerous condition. However, if your doctor suspects that low RDW causes different diseases, they will also request different tests.
So what should the normal RDW value be?
The volumetric dimensions of the red blood cells in your body, called RDW, must be between 6.2 and 8.2 micrometers in order to be considered healthy. It is considered abnormal if your red blood cells are smaller, larger or in varying proportions than this ratio.
However, the RDW test results do not mention the individual size of your red blood cells. Because in the RDW test, cell movements are monitored in an area called the histogram. This tracking result is given a percentage value. An RDW value between 12% and 15% is considered normal. However, these values can be suspected if they are examined together with the complete blood count test.
How is the RDW blood test done?
The RDW blood test is one of the standard blood tests. With the guidance of the doctor, blood is taken from you and this blood is examined in the laboratory over the histogram area. So when your doctor asks you for an RDW test, all you have to do is roll up your arm and donate blood.
In most cases, the person undergoing the RDW test does not need to make any advance preparations. However, if the RDW test is part of a complete blood count test or similar test, your doctor may ask you to be hungry, full or avoid fatty foods for a while. This is completely dependent on the suspected disease in the person.
Why does the RDW value matter?
Even if we are not aware of it, our body survives thanks to the correct functioning of countless systems that are constantly working in the background. Oxygen, which we breathe thousands of times a day, is one of the sine qua non. It is not enough for oxygen to reach our lungs. Oxygen needs to spread to all our organs and limbs with red blood cells.
This is where the RDW value becomes important. If the sizes of our red blood cells are higher or lower than normal, the diffusion of oxygen throughout our body will be disrupted. Since organs and limbs that do not receive enough oxygen and burn it as energy cannot function properly, numerous diseases may occur. For this reason, you need to pay attention to all blood count tests, especially the RDW test.
We talked about the details you need to know about the subject by answering the questions such as what is the RDW we see in the blood test results, what does the RDW test measure, what does the low or high mean. What we describe is for informational purposes only. Remember that you will get the most accurate and specific information about the subject from your doctor.
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