High results If your RDW is too high, it could be an indication of a nutrient deficiency, such as a deficiency of iron, folate, or vitamin B-12. These results could also indicate macrocytic anemia, when your body doesn’t produce enough normal red blood cells, and the cells it does produce are larger than normal.

What does the RDW tell you?

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is the variation of the size/volume of your red blood cells. Basically, it tells you how equal or unequal your red blood cells are in size. It is a part of a complete blood count, which also measures your hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red and white blood cell counts [2, 3].

What does a low RDW level mean?

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. A normal RDW range is 12.2%–16.1% for women and 11.8%–14.5% for men.

Is low Rdw a concern?

A low RDW is desirable since it is a sign that your RBCs are uniform in size. A low RDW is not a cause for concern. But even if you have a low RDW, still you may have a blood disease.

What causes low Rdw in blood count?

a diet low in iron, vitamin B-12, or other nutrients. a family history of blood disorders, including thalassemia or sickle cell anemia. chronic illness, such as diabetes, HIV, or Crohn’s disease. dizziness, weakness, pale skin, or other symptoms of anemia.

What does high MCV and high RDW mean?

High RDW and high MCV. This indicates a lack of B-12 or folate. It can also suggest macrocytic anemia or chronic liver disease.

What does RDW-SD mean in blood work?

Optimal Result: 39 – 46 fl. Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a red blood cell parameter that measures variability of red cell volume/size (anisocytosis).

What are the normal levels of RDW?

According to doctors from the Mayo Clinic, the RDW reference range is 11.8% to 15.6%.2 However, some other clinics give the normal reference range for RDW between 11.6% and 14.6%. The normal red blood cell distribution width in children will be slightly different.

What does High RDW lab mean?

Means nothing. A high RDW is a measure of the variability in size among red cells. When it is low, it’s a fluke of statistics, and you should ignore it — lab “normals” are set so that a few healthy folks lie outside.

What does a High RDW level mean?

High RDW levels can mean that you have an iron deficiency if your MCV readings are lower than normal. Elevated RDW and high MCV. If both your MCV levels and RDW levels are too high, then this could be caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies, anemia, or chronic liver disease.

What does consistently elevated RDW mean in lab tests?

If you find out that you have a high RDW it can mostly be due to a nutrient deficiency like deficiency of folate, Vitamin B12 or even iron. In some cases, such results can also be due to Macrocytic Anemia. Macrocytic anemia occurs when our body fails to produce the needed normal red blood cells or the cells that are produced are way beyond normal.