Red blood cells are a very important type of cell in the human blood. Red blood cells play an important role in transporting oxygen and nutrients. The width of red blood cell distribution is an important data indicating the state of red blood cells. Generally speaking, a lower width of red blood cell distribution indicates a uniform volume of red blood cells. So, what does the low distribution width of red blood cells indicate?
A low distribution width of red blood cells indicates that the size and volume of red blood cells are relatively uniform. When it is high, it indicates that the volume of red blood cells is not uniform, and everyone's red blood cell morphology is different. Only this indicator is low, while the other indicators are normal. Its clinical significance is not significant, so there is no need to worry too much. A high level of this indicator often indicates anemia or hematopoietic dysfunction, while a low level has little clinical significance.
The distribution width SD of red blood cells is relatively low, which generally refers to the uniform and concentrated distribution of red blood cells by volume, that is, the size of red blood cells is about the same. If the red blood cell count RBC, hematocrit HCT, and hemoglobin HGB are normal, this has no special clinical significance. A decrease in platelet distribution width indicates a decrease in platelets. If there is a decrease in platelets, further examination and laboratory testing are needed to confirm the diagnosis and avoid bleeding caused by trauma as much as possible.
The red blood cell distribution width is used for:
1) Diagnosis and efficacy observation for iron deficiency anemia: In iron deficiency anemia, RDW increases earlier than MCV decreases, indicating early iron deficiency; When MCV decreases, RDW increases more significantly; When iron treatment is effective, RDW will be larger than before administration and gradually decrease to normal levels;
2) Used for differential diagnosis of small cell hypochromic anemia;
3) Used for the classification of anemia. Simply put, it refers to the degree of consistency in the size and shape of red blood cells in the sample blood. The larger the width, the different shapes and sizes of red blood cells in the sample. Exceeding the normal value often indicates various anemia, hematopoietic abnormalities, or congenital red blood cell abnormalities.
This article provides a detailed explanation of what causes low red blood cell width and also explains the purpose of this data. As someone with low red blood cell width, it is best for you to actively refer to the content of this article to determine whether you are healthy and whether you are struggling to hide.
