What Your Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) Tells You

Summary: Have you ever felt dizzy, weak, or super tired? Your doctor might check your RDW, which stands for Red Cell Distribution Width. This simple blood test looks at the size of your red blood cells. Usually, these cells are all about the same size. If your RDW is "high," it means your cells are all different sizes. This can be a sign of anemia, a lack of iron, or other health issues. A "low" RDW usually means your cells are uniform and you are perfectly healthy. The test is quick, safe, and part of a normal check-up!

For more details, see Health.com at health.com/rdw-blood-test-8683121 (opens in new tab)