High RDW-CV: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Management
Medically Reviewed By
Prof. Ashok Rattan
Written By Sheena Mehta
on Nov 20, 2024
Last Edit Made By Sheena Mehta
on Nov 20, 2024
Red blood cells give blood its distinctive color and constitute about 40–45% of its volume. They carry oxygen from the lungs and transport it throughout the body.
An RDW test, or red cell distribution width test, helps measure the variation in size and volume of your red blood cells. It is included in a more extensive blood workup called a complete blood count (CBC). Let’s discover it in detail.
What is the Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)?
A red cell distribution width (RDW) test is a blood test that helps a healthcare provider determine the coefficient of variations (CV) in the size of red blood cells. A blood test may be suggested to confirm anemia and its cause.
A high red cell distribution width may also indicate other illnesses, such as autoimmune conditions or liver or kidney disease.
What is the use of an RDW-CV test?
The RDW test is part of a CBC. The use of an RDW-CV test is to help a healthcare provider get closer to diagnosis if anemia is causing your symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling cold
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Pale or dry skin
Major reasons why a doctor may suggest an RDW test, which is a part of CBC:
- A diet lacking essential nutrients
- Diabetes, HIV, or Crohn’s disease
- Heavy blood loss
- Immune disorders
- Cancer
- Liver disease
- Infection
- Thalassemia
How can you prepare for an RDW-CV test?
The RDW-CV test indicates the difference in the size of the smallest and largest red blood cells. These cells carry hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen and carries it throughout the body’s tissues.
No fasting is required for the RDW-CV test. Still, it is important to contact a doctor before the test, as he may suggest fasting for a red blood cell test, depending on your underlying medical condition.
Do not hide any health-related information from a doctor, including if you take any over-the-counter medicines or supplements before the test. This improves the accuracy of your RDW-CV test results.
How is an RDW-CV test performed?
An RDW-CV is a blood test in which a healthcare provider draws a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm.
He will disinfect the site where the needle is to be inserted and then collect the blood sample in a vial, labeling it with your name. The blood sample will be analyzed in the laboratory, and the report will be prepared.
Note: RDW test results may show normal, lower, or higher test results. An abnormal RDW-CV result may suggest an underlying health condition.
Difference between RDW-CV blood test and CBC
The difference between RDW-CV blood test and CBC is as follows:
| RDW-CV Blood Test | CBC Test |
| An RDW-CV test is often suggested as a part of a more extensive blood test. | A CBC test is often suggested to reveal information about multiple parts of your blood, including RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. |
| An RDW-CV test is part of a CBC panel. | CBC includes a panel of tests for red blood cells, eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets. |
What is the normal range for RDW?
The normal range for RDW is 12-15%. Based on this percentage, doctors determine how many red blood cells (RBCSs) in a given sample deviate from the average size of the blood cells.
The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) test, which is part of CBC, helps calculate the average size of red blood cells.
What does the low RDW test result mean?
If your RDW test results show low levels, it is usually not a cause for concern. It does not mean you suffer from anemia.
What are the causes of a high RDW blood test?
RDW test is a part of CBC. Doctors may also consider the reports for other CBC tests, including mean corpuscular test (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), to make the correct diagnosis. Let’s discover them in detail.
- Red cell distribution width (RDW): It is often suggested that you measure the variation in the size of your red blood cells.
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measures the average size of your red blood cells.
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): This CBC test measures the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell.
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) helps measure the average hemoglobin concentration in your red blood cells.
Consequently, high RDW can help doctors diagnose and differentiate between types of anemia:
- Iron deficiency anemia: This type of anemia develops when your body lacks enough iron.
- Microcytic anemia: This type of anemia indicates red blood cells are smaller than usual. They lack hemoglobin.
- Macrocytic anemia occurs when your bone marrow produces abnormally large red blood cells.
- Hemolytic anemia. This condition destroys red blood cells faster than it creates new cells.
What does the high RDW-CV test result suggest?
Sometimes, doctors consider an RDW above 14.5% to be high. A high red cell distribution width (RDW) would mean your body has difficulty making red blood cells.
It is essential to discuss your RDW test report with your healthcare provider to better understand it and to get the best possible treatment based on your health report.
Many conditions are associated with a high RDW, including:
- Heart disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Colorectal cancer
- Blood cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Note: The RDW-CV test results are typically available within 12 hours. Contact your healthcare provider if you need to understand the results.
5 Helping Tips to Lower RDW
Several factors are responsible for causing high RDW-CV. So, lowering a variation in RDW varies from case to case. However, a doctor may suggest a few tips based on the root cause, including:
- Eat a balanced diet: Eating a nutritious diet rich in iron, folate, and vitamin B12 is essential. This can raise RDW levels. Additionally, your doctor may suggest vitamin B12 injections if you have digestive problems causing issues with absorbing nutrients.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can raise RDW levels. It is better to quit smoking as it may help reduce RDW and also offer many health benefits.
- Avoid alcohol: Drinking can damage red blood cells. Besides, it may also decrease vitamin B12 and folate absorption, which is certainly not acceptable.
- Adequate sleep for about 6-8 hours is a must. A 2015 study revealed that the lowest RDW levels were shown in the report of 17,000 participants who slept for 7-8 hours.
- Exercise regularly. Give up your sedentary lifestyle. Embrace a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to raise RDW levels.
What are the risks involved with an RDW blood test?
An RDW blood test is a safe procedure. It involves minimal risks of side effects, such as pain or bruises at the puncture site. It may also cause lightheadedness, or you may begin to feel fainted or nauseated during or after the blood test. All these symptoms are temporary and won’t last long.
Nevertheless, if it continues to cause pain, heavy bruising, or bleeding from the injected site, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
A note from Redcliffe Labs!
Only make assumptions about having normal, low, or high RDW-CV test results once you meet an expert. He will go through your RDW blood test reports and other CBC tests to make a final judgment about the cause of the problem.
Are you looking for an RDW blood test at home? Redcliffe Labs is all you need.
Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab—Redcliffe Labs is one of the most trusted and fastest-growing diagnostic services. It focuses on blood tests, preventive health checks in PAN India, and a wide range of other services for patients' convenience.
If suggested, download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app or call to book an RDW-CV test at home. The phlebotomist will arrive at your doorstep with a blood sample collection kit. Get the most accurate reports typically with a given deadline.
Here is step-by-step information on booking an RDW-CV test online from Redcliffe Labs.
- Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
- Browse or search for the specific test you need.
- Add the test to the cart.
- Complete the payment process online.
- You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.
Outlook
The causes for a high RDW-CV vary considerably depending on the cause of the test result. They are changing their diet to cover the deficiency of iron, folate, or vitamin B12. Your healthcare provider may only suggest supplementation to treat anemia.
Additionally, in 2019, a high RDW count was associated with a higher mortality rate risk from any cause. Hence, it is important to meet with your healthcare provider about the next steps after getting an abnormal RDW test report.
