View source for RDW

==Background==
*Red cell distribution width; measure of variation in red blood cell size (anisocytosis)

==Normal Values==
*Normal: 11.5-14.5%

==Interpretation==
*Elevated RDW indicates variation in RBC sizes (anisocytosis)
*Useful in distinguishing iron deficiency anemia (elevated RDW) from thalassemia trait (normal RDW)
*Elevated in mixed-deficiency anemias, early iron/B12/folate deficiency, and transfused patients
*Elevated RDW has been studied as a prognostic marker in heart failure, PE, and sepsis

==See Also==
*[[CBC]]
*[[MCV]]
*[[Anemia]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Labs]]