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RDW-SD is an indicator included in the blood count. This is information about the difference between a person’s individual red blood cell volume. Along with other blood counts, it is a useful parameter in finding the causes of anemia. How to read the result of this parameter?
RDW-SD is an indicator of red blood cell volume distribution. Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are not identical. The task of the RDW-SD indicator is to assess the differences in the volume of erythrocytes in the examined person. The test is useful in diagnosing certain diseases.
RDW-SD – marking
The determination of the RDW-SD index is performed during blood counts made from venous blood taken from the patient. It is important that the patient comes to the examination on an empty stomach.
Marking only the RDW-SD value has no greater diagnostic value. This parameter can be interpreted only in conjunction with other indicators given in the morphology result. To make a diagnosis, the doctor most often analyzes the RDW-SD value in conjunction with the amount of red blood cells, MCV index, and hemoglobin level.
You can perform the morphology quickly and conveniently in private POLMED facilities in a package with other basic blood tests.
RDW-SD – indications
Determining the RDW-SD value is important to the physician who diagnoses anemia. Together with other morphological parameters, it may indicate, for example, the causes of anemia in a patient.
Remember that the RDW-SD indicator is determined during the blood count. It is the basic test used in the diagnosis of many diseases and is the basis of their prevention. Therefore, prophylactic blood tests should be performed at least once a year.
An indication for doing a morphology is also weakness, palpitations, pale complexion and a feeling of constant fatigue. These symptoms may indicate anemia.
RDW-SD – normal
The RDW-SD standard is 36-47 fl. The RDW-SD result is given in fl or femtoliters. In the case of men, the normal results may be even below the values given above. The test result should always be analyzed on the basis of the standard applicable in a given laboratory. So keep in mind that each laboratory may have slightly different values.
Remember that the test results should always be consulted with a doctor. You can now arrange a consultation with a family doctor via the halodoctor.pl portal, also under the National Health Fund insurance.
RDW-SD – high score
An elevated RDW-SD means that red blood cells in the patient’s blood are larger than usual. This may be due to:
- megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin deficiency B12 or folate
- iron deficiency anemia,
- chronic inflammation,
- some cancers
- Blood transfusion,
- hemorrhage.
The RDW-SD result allows finding only a potential cause of anemia in a patient. Therefore, in diagnostics, the value of this indicator is analyzed along with other parameters, such as MCV. If the RDW-SD score is high and MCV is low, anemia may be due to a lack of iron. However, if both RDW-SD and MCV are high, it means that the anemia is due to a lack of vitamin B12 and folic acid.
RDW-SD – low score
A low RDW-SD value is irrelevant in the diagnosis of diseases as long as this one parameter deviates from the norm. Usually, this is not a disturbing signal. If, along with a low RDW-SD score, abnormal values also have other indicators, then this may suggest different disorders.
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