The most important part of the human body is the circulatory system. Blood circulation occurs throughout life, it is in contact with absolutely all tissues and organs in the body. According to the main indicators of blood, the doctor has the opportunity to determine the state of health.
The study evaluates a variety of qualitative and quantitative indicators of the substances contained in it. The study of red blood cells is most often indicated by the abbreviations MDV, RDW CV, RDW and some others. Let's try to figure out what a blood test for RDW is. Decryption will be presented in detail.
The study of the characteristics of red blood cells
Most of the indicators of the analysis are clear and without further explanation. Parameters such as glucose, white blood cells, cholesterol, and some others are quite familiar, and their normal rate is usually indicated next to the patient’s result. By a simple mathematical comparison, it is possible to determine whether the research indicators are at a normal level or not. But what is a blood test for RDW CV? The decoding of these values is of interest to many.
An RDW blood test means the same as the red blood cell distribution index. The study determines the presence of deformed blood cells in the blood. This phenomenon is called anisocytosis. If the state of the red blood cells is normal, then they all have approximately the same size, which allows them to replace each other if necessary and perform the same functions. If a certain part of the red blood cells is large, then this is already a violation.
For the process of the existence of abnormal red blood cells, much more nutrition is required, their life span is reduced. Quite often, macro cells are larger than the capillary. As a result of this, they cannot circulate normally in the body and are disposed of.
A blood test and decoding of RDW SD and CV makes it possible to determine the ratio between normal red blood cells and enlarged or deformed. RDW CV reflects the percentage distribution of red blood cells in size. RDW SD shows the standard deviation, in other words, the size difference between the largest and smallest red blood cells present in the blood sample.
In what cases is such a blood test prescribed for RDW? Decryption will be discussed below.
Indications for the study
Absolutely any doctor, starting from a local therapist and ending with a specialist in a certain field of medicine, can refer a patient to a UAC. A blood test for RDW can be performed at the annual physical examination and according to indications. But with an annual examination, analysis is not always prescribed. Verification of this indicator lies in the event that the patient has the following symptoms:
- Fever in the absence of visible causes, such as colds.
- Drowsiness, despite the fact that the patient is resting sufficiently.
- Increased perspiration, regardless of heat.
- Fast fatiguability.
- Emotionality, irritability, abrupt change of mood.
- Yellowing of the skin (in rare cases).
What is the basis for decoding RDW in a blood test?
Norm
In adult men and women, normal RDW values are the same. They are in the range of 11.5-14.5%. A study on anisocytosis in children can give different results. The norm in newborns is a range of 14.9-18.7%. This is due to stress resulting from childbirth and adaptation to life. For children from six months, the normal level of RDW is 11.6-14.8%. The older the child becomes, the closer the RDW indicator approaches the norm of an adult.
The decoding of RDW in a blood test is carried out by the attending physician or a qualified specialist who has an idea of the patient's medical history and is able to take into account all the necessary factors. If the deviation from the norm is about 15%, then we can talk about the violation. In some cases, the patient may be referred for re-examination.
Increased RDW
An increased level may indicate a pathology or disease. Quite often this happens due to a deficiency in the body of vitamins and nutrients. In addition to the main reasons for the violation include:
- chronic stage of liver disease;
- tumor development and cancer;
- Alzheimer's disease;
- CVD diseases;
- iron deficiency that can affect the function of blood formation;
- anemia of various nature, for example, hemolytic, microcytic, megaloblastic, iron deficiency. It is especially important to highlight a similar cause in pregnant women;
- deficiency of vitamin B12 and B9;
- alcoholism;
- folic acid deficiency.
With a general blood test, decoding RDW is not difficult.
Reduced rate
There are times when the RDW is low. In order to determine the causes of this phenomenon, it is required to consider two indicators in a complex - RDW and MCV.
- In the event that both of these indicators are lowered, then we can talk about disruption of the spleen, which carries out the disposal of damaged red blood cells, or the liver, which splits toxins.
- In the event that the RDW score is lowered and the MCV score is increased, then the likelihood of developing bone marrow lesions by cancer cells should be considered. It is possible that for a long time a cancerous tumor developed in the body that was not noticed by experts, and its bone marrow metastases.
Reasons for the decline
It often happens that the decoding in the analysis of blood RDW increases it and reveals it. But a decrease in the rate is quite rare. This indicates the presence of quite serious problems in the body. It should be noted that 99.9% of cases of such results arise due to the influence of external factors during the study. This may be inaccurate or incorrect setup of equipment, failure or violation during storage of test samples. If a repeat study also indicates a low RDW, then the cause may be:
- Blood donation.
- Surgical intervention performed to remove any organ, part of it.
- Severe blood loss resulting from a pathology or injury. The most dangerous are bleeding stomach and uterine. With them, rapid blood loss occurs, reducing the patient's chances of survival.
- Violation of metabolic processes in the body, resulting in insufficient absorption of minerals and vitamins from food.
- Hormonal dysfunction. RDW is often lowered during pregnancy, puberty, and when taking hormonal contraceptives
- Vitamin B or folic acid deficiency.
Conclusion
So, we examined the decoding of RDW in a blood test. As you can see, it is not necessary to be a doctor to understand the results of an RDW study. However, the decryption of the analysis should be carried out by a qualified specialist, able to take into account all important factors.