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What Causes High RDW And What Can Be Done To Improve One's Health?

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Posted on Wed, 18 Sep 2019
Question: Hello Doctor,
Got my CBC/WBC done...and the report says I am high on RCW, MPV, ESR...can you tell me the causes and the problems I am likely to encounter because of this? What needs to be done to keep things in control?

Rgs,
Sangita
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Iron studies is suggested for high RDW.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

i have gone through your CBC report.
High RDW is indicative of variation in size of red blood cells.
High RDW is usually the first sign of iron deficiency.
Your hemoglobin is within normal range.
However, I would suggest you to get iron studies comprising of iron level, TIBC, % saturation and ferritin.
In case ferritin is found to be low, you need to take iron supplements after consulting your primary healthcare provider.

High ESR is a non-specific marker raised in underlying inflammatory conditions like infections and inflammation.
ESR slowly comes to normal value as underlying infection or inflammation is under control.

High MPV suggests variation is size of platelets.
There is nothing to worry since platelet count is normal.
Rest all values are normal.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shailja Puri

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 9705 Questions

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What Causes High RDW And What Can Be Done To Improve One's Health?

Brief Answer: Iron studies is suggested for high RDW. Detailed Answer: Hello, i have gone through your CBC report. High RDW is indicative of variation in size of red blood cells. High RDW is usually the first sign of iron deficiency. Your hemoglobin is within normal range. However, I would suggest you to get iron studies comprising of iron level, TIBC, % saturation and ferritin. In case ferritin is found to be low, you need to take iron supplements after consulting your primary healthcare provider. High ESR is a non-specific marker raised in underlying inflammatory conditions like infections and inflammation. ESR slowly comes to normal value as underlying infection or inflammation is under control. High MPV suggests variation is size of platelets. There is nothing to worry since platelet count is normal. Rest all values are normal. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri