Red Cell Distribution Width - SD Test

The test leads to detection of carotid plaque to identify asymptomatic patients with advanced subclinical atherosclerosis which can predict risk of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. A high red blood cell distribution width may be associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure and risk of death. Elevated RDW is associated with the following conditions: Early iron, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Dimorphic anemia. Sickle cell disease. Chronic liver disease. Myelodysplastic syndrome.

No special preparation is needed for RDW. Patients’ needs to inform the doctor on any medications being consumed or any underlying medical conditions or allergies before undergoing RDW. As per the patient’s condition, the doctor may give specific instructions.

The normal test result for RDW width is 11.5-14.5% for Unisex gender and for all age groups. Red cell distribution width (RDW) laboratory test is a part of a standard complete blood count used along with other RBC indices, especially mean corpuscular volume to help determine the causes of anemia. The test also helps to evaluate the association between RDW and carotid artery atherosclerosis in people with hypertension. Increased RDW is also believed to be closely associated with the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with previous myocardial infarction. Ultrasound reports helps in the detection of carotid plaque and carotid intimal medial thickness in asymptomatic is often related to advanced subclinical atherosclerosis, a risk of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction.

RDW is determined using a Coulter counter together with white blood cell count in 156 hypertensive inpatients 60 to 85 years of age. Ultrasound helps in identifying the carotid intimal medial thickness and carotid atherosclerotic plaques. The multichannel analyzer is used to determine the total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels.