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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should I Be Concerned About A High RDW Value?

I had a CBC & Diff blood test done. Everything came back within normal ranges except RDW which was 15.3 My doctor didn t even address this because my tsh level was high and that is what she discussed with me. Should I be concerned about the RDW result?
posted on Tue, 15 Jul 2014
Twitter Mon, 29 Sep 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 29 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. RDW indicates red cell distribution width. It indicates variation in size of the cells.
2. If the hemoglobin is normal, not to worry.
3. RDW varies with iron deficiency or thalassemia. If hemoglobin is low, it indicates possible etiology. 15.3 is only mild variation. Not to worry.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
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Should I Be Concerned About A High RDW Value?

Hi, Thanks for asking. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows. 1. RDW indicates red cell distribution width. It indicates variation in size of the cells. 2. If the hemoglobin is normal, not to worry. 3. RDW varies with iron deficiency or thalassemia. If hemoglobin is low, it indicates possible etiology. 15.3 is only mild variation. Not to worry. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again.