RDW full form in medical term is Red Cell Distribution Width, a medical test to know the differences in the size and volume of your erythrocytes (red blood cells). Erythrocytes carry oxygen from the lungs to every cell in the body. And every cell needs lifesaver air to stay healthy, make new cells, and grow. Ideally, the red blood has the same size. There is a significant difference between the sizes of human’s largest and smallest red blood cells, and this may be a sign of a medication condition. Some other name for RDW is erythrocyte distribution width or standard deviation test.
The RDW test is part of a CBC or complete blood count, a medical test that inspects many different parts of human blood, including erythrocytes. The test is usually done to diagnose anemia, a condition in which red blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen to the rest of the body. It is also used to diagnose other health conditions like Thalassemia.
If the following symptoms have been noticed, your healthcare provider may suggest going for an RDW test. These symptoms include: