Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Test: Symptoms, Causes, & Management

Platelets are known as thrombocytes. They contain a small portion of your blood that helps in the hemostasis. Further, platelets, or thrombocytes, are the lightest component of the blood, which make a group and form a clot to prevent bleeding.

Platelets are crucial in coagulation, immune response, and inflammation. They accumulate at the injury site and adhere to the white blood cells (WBCs), a process called platelet activation. 

Today’s blog sheds light on the platelet distribution width (PDW) test, which is crucial for a doctor’s understanding of making a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. So, why wait? Let’s delve deeper into the PDW and its impact on health. 

What is PDW?

The tiny blood cells, platelets, are formed by large cells called megakaryocytes in your bone marrow. PDW is a tool that helps measure the size of platelets that vary in your blood. 

The normal range for PDW is between 9.0% and 17.0%. Nevertheless, these values can increase or decrease depending on your health conditions. Factors such as diseases involving iron deficiency anemia, age, sex, and genetic factors can impact your platelets distribution width. 

If your PDW test report shows a high PDW, your platelet size varies greatly and may indicate vascular diseases and certain cancers. 

Additionally, the PDW, or platelet distribution width test, is part of a complete blood count (CBC) test. It is a marker of platelet activation that can provide additional information about the cause of high or low platelet count. 

A PDW test is done along with the CBC tests to help investigate multiple conditions, including thrombocytosis (high platelet count) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). 

Thus, understanding your PDW levels is important. It allows you to take appropriate steps towards your health and wellness. 

Contact an experienced specialist to determine the correct diagnosis, including a high PDW level that might signal serious complications, like tumors, blood disorders, or heart diseases. Nevertheless, he will help you with the best treatment decisions to keep things under control.

What are the uses of a PDW test?

As clear from above, the PDW test reveals the variability in platelet size. It is a platelet activation marker (clot formation in case of an injury). The PDW test is used for: 

• It is included in a CBC test and is done to assess your overall health. 
• Your healthcare provider may suggest the test in the case of signs and symptoms of bleeding disorders, such as bruising and prolonged bleeding. 
• It helps detect and monitor clotting disorders. 
• The test also helps detect diseases affecting platelets, such as dengue, typhoid, or inflammatory diseases. 

Did you know?

Some people with COVID-19 were recommended to take a PDW test. It was used to analyze differences in mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution test (PDW). 

What are the common symptoms associated with a platelet disorder?

Common symptoms associated with a disorder of platelets are:

• Heavy periods
• Blood in urine
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Internal bleeding
• Bruising
• Bleeding gums 

What is the purpose of a PDW test?

The PDW (Platelet Distribution Test) aims to check for symptoms that suggest complications in your arteries, veins, and vessels. 

The test provides in-depth details about how your body functions, particularly platelet activation and platelet function. 

High PDW can suggest significant variation in platelet size and thus be a marker of vascular diseases and certain types of cancer. 

Low PDW levels can also suggest little variation in platelet size and thus be a marker of bone marrow disorders and chronic inflammatory conditions. 

Consult a general practitioner (GP) to interpret your PDW test results, conduct an in-depth analysis, and plan your treatment.

How is the PDW test performed?

The PDW is a component of routine health check-ups. It helps measure the variability in the size of your platelets present in the blood. 

Below is a step-by-step explanation of how the PDW test is performed: 

• A PDW test involves a blood sample; therefore, a PDW blood test. 
• A trained specialist will search for a suitable vein in your arm. After that, he will tie a tourniquet band around the needle spot. 
• He will clean the site with a disinfectant solution before inserting a needle into your vein and collecting the blood. 
• A small amount of blood will be collected, which he will transfer into a vial. 
• Then, the expert will open the tourniquet band, apply pressure to the puncture site, and use cotton gauze to prevent bleeding.
• Lastly, he will label the vial with your details and send the sample to the lab for analysis. 

Note: The results will be prepared after analyzing your blood sample. Consult your PDW test report with your healthcare provider for a better understanding. 

Do you need to prepare for a PDW test?

Usually, no special preparations are needed for a PDW test. However, it is a blood test, so your doctor may or may not suggest fasting before the test, depending on your present health condition. 

Please inform your doctor about all the prescription medications or supplements you are taking to avoid interfering with the test results. 

Discuss your doubts or questions with your doctor before the test to receive the most accurate results. 

What are the risks associated with a PDW test?

There are minimal risks associated with a PDW test. During a PDW test, you may experience slight pain or bruises at the injection site. These symptoms are temporary and tend to go away quickly. 

You may feel nervous or have anxieties around needles or fear of the pain associated with the procedure. Kindly inform your feelings or discomfort to the specialist to be more careful. 

Nevertheless, it is normal to feel nervous or anxious when you see blood, like most of us. But you can always cope with that. 

5 Helping Tips to Overcome the Fear of Needles for a Blood Test

Below are helpful tips to overcome the fear of blood tests or cope with medical test anxiety, including:

1. Receive as much information about the test and the risks as possible. 
2. Tell the expert about your fear of needles. He may suggest medication to numb the skin before a shot. 
3. Do some breathing exercises. 
4. Look away from the needle and focus on something fun, like watching a movie on your phone. 
5. Bring a buddy or family member to hold your hand during the test. 

What are the normal PDW levels?

The normal range of PDW levels for adults is between 9.0% and 17.0%. Staying within the range indicates a normal platelet size distribution. Any deviation may signal medical intervention. 

Additionally, the normal ranges and units of measurement can vary depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used. 

What do abnormal PDW levels mean?

The abnormal PDW levels mean either high or low levels, which may indicate the following: 

PDW High levels: A high PDW level points towards significant variation in platelet size. This variation can be a specific marker for:  

• Vascular diseases: These types of diseases occur due to increased PDW levels. They affect the blood vessels—arteries, veins, and capillaries. Common vascular diseases are atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), among others. 

Common symptoms associated with vascular disease are pain or cramping, nonhealing wounds, and numbness in hands or feet. Early detection and management are crucial to avoid heart attack, stroke, or limb amputations. 

• Certain types of cancers: Some cancers, such as bone marrow cancers, multiple myeloma, lung, breast, and ovarian cancer, may result in high or low PDW levels. Platelets are produced as the body responds to the cancer. 

5 Helping Tips to Manage High PDW Levels

Below are recommendations to help you manage high PDW levels: 

• Consult a specialist for accurate diagnosis and treatment. 
• It is essential to monitor the symptoms of vascular diseases, which may require immediate medical attention. 
• Other blood tests, such as CBC and peripheral blood smear, may be suggested to help identify the abnormalities. 
• If your healthcare provider thinks the symptoms are suggestive of a certain type of cancer, then additional screenings such as imaging or biopsy may be required. 
• Lifestyle modifications, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking may reduce vascular risks.

PDW Low levels: A low PDW level indicates a little variation in platelet size. Health conditions associated with low PDW levels: 

• Low PDW levels can cause bone marrow disorders. Aplastic anemia and bone marrow suppression can result in low PDW. 
• Chronic Inflammatory Conditions that can lead to a low PDW level include liver disease and chronic kidney disease, resulting in a consistent platelet size. 
• Nutritional Deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 or folate, may impair platelet production and uniformity. 
• Inherited Disorders: Genetic conditions like Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome can lead to smaller platelets. 
• Autoimmune Conditions may reduce platelet numbers without maintaining a uniform size. 

Additionally, symptoms associated with a low PDW level include unexplained bruising, frequent nosebleeds, excessive bleeding from minor cuts, and fatigue. 

4 Helping Tips to Manage Low PDWLevelss

Below are recommendations to help you manage low PDW levels: 

1. It is essential to address nutritional deficiencies. 
2. Consult your doctor to manage chronic illnesses or infections to avoid complications.
3. Your doctor might make necessary medication adjustments to suppress bone marrow activity. 
4. Regular blood tests can help track platelet parameters. 

Conclusion

The PDW blood test measures variability in platelet size. A market test can give you additional information about your platelets and the cause of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and thrombocytosis (high platelet count). 

Understanding your PDW levels, which play an integral role in healthcare management, is essential. Consult your doctor for much-needed guidance and to maintain good health. 

Book a PDW Blood Test from Redcliffe Labs! 

Call directly or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book a PDW blood test online if suggested. The phlebotomist will come to your doorstep with a blood sample collection kit, ensuring a painless and safe blood draw. Get the most accurate reports, typically within 12 hours. 

Step-by-step information on booking a PDW blood test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.
5. You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a PDW blood test?

The PDW blood test gives insight into the size of platelets in your blood. It is often included in the CBC test as part of a larger evaluation. 

2. How is the PDW test performed?

The PDW test is performed by drawing blood from a vein in your arm. The trained specialist then sends your blood sample to a laboratory for analysis and report writing. 

3. What do high PDW levels mean?

High PDW levels may indicate active platelet production or disorders affecting platelet function. They may also be due to bone marrow disorders, iron deficiency anemia, vascular injuries, or viral infections. 

4. What do low PDW levels mean?

Low PDW levels may mean platelets are relatively uniform in size, indicating certain health conditions, such as bone marrow suppression, chronic liver or kidney disease, nutritional deficiencies, certain infections, or medications.