The term pdw in the CBC blood test indicates one of the important parameters used to evaluate the health of platelets. In fact, this test, which is also called platelet distribution width, helps the doctor determine the number of blood platelets and their distribution time. An abnormal increase or decrease in pdw may indicate a disorder in the body, which in this case requires a blood examination and close communication by a doctor. can diagnose and manage related diseases Help with platelet health.

If you are curious about the result of your blood test sheet, join us in this article from health magazine GCORP LLC to introduce you to the meaning of pdw in blood test and its interpretation.

What is meant by pdw in blood test?

The pdw index in the blood test, which stands for Platelet Distribution Width, describes the relative width of the platelets in terms of volume in the general blood analysis (CBC count). In fact, this index, which is also called the platelet distribution width, examines the changes in the size of the blood platelets and shows the difference in their size...

Platelets are the smallest blood cells that enter the bloodstream after being made in the bone marrow.. These spherical blood cells help stop bleeding during the blood clotting process.. They stick to each other and fibrin strands to stop bleeding..

Learn more: Blood platelet test

When is the pdw test prescribed in the blood test?

Evaluation of platelet distribution width is usually done as part of a complete blood count (CBC). When you see a doctor with symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, nosebleeds, or blood in the gastrointestinal tract, a blood test to check the PDW index is ordered..

• Blood from multiple noses
• Prolonging the stoppage of bleeding from a small wound
• creating bruises without cause and inexplicable
• The presence of blood in the stool
• Heavy period bleeding
• The appearance of red spots on the skin called petechiae and similar to skin rash
• creating small purple spots on the skin called purpura caused by bleeding under the skin

Interpretation of pdw in blood test

The interpretation of the pdw test in blood tests is done according to the patient's clinical conditions and other parameters such as PLT and MPV and alone cannot be a definitive criterion for diagnosing the disease.

Learn more: What is a CBC blood test?

Usually the following results help to interpret this parameter:

pdw normal range

The amount of normal platelets usually varies in the blood of different people and with different races... Of course, experts believe that if the number of platelets is on average between 10 and 17.9, it is in the normal range... but this does not mean that pdw less than 10 is dangerous in the blood test... because doctors check this number together with other blood factors.

Learn more: What is ldl in a blood test?

low pdw result

Low pdw means a platelet distribution index with a low volume and usually does not cause cognitive pathology.... Most experts believe that the low level of this parameter in the blood test is nothing to worry about... Of course, if the pdw is abnormally low in the blood test, it is checked along with other blood indices such as PLT and MPV.

This complication may be related to one of the following diseases and conditions:

• Leukemia or blood cancer: Cancer cells in the blood infect the bone marrow and affect the platelets that form in the bone marrow.
• Chronic hepatitis B: This disease can negatively affect the blood supply system and the function of platelets.
• Radioactive disease: Radioactive rays have a negative effect on the function of platelets and reduce their number.
• Myeloplasty syndrome: This disease affects the bone marrow and reduces the number of platelets.
• Severe anemia: In some types of anemia, the platelets are more uniform in size than normal and the pdw is decreased in the blood test.

Learn more: What is the CBC Diff blood test?

High pdw result

The cause of high pdw in the blood test can be seen as the result of platelets leaving their normal range.... When some platelets are small and some are large, pdw increases.... This situation is usually caused by the activation of platelets caused by inflammatory disease, bone marrow tumor or cardiovascular disease...

Other conditions and diseases that contribute to the increase of pdw include:

• Inflammation: Any type of inflammatory disease in the body increases the level of platelets in the blood.
• Chronic diseases: Some chronic diseases such as rheumatism, thrombocytosis, pancreatic problems, pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease can increase pdw.
• Stress: Stressful factors such as mental pressure and stress can disrupt the balance between platelets in the blood volume.
• Infection: Severe infections cause changes in the size and function of platelets and an increase in pdw in blood tests.
• Anemia: This complication is another condition that indirectly affects the increase in the number of platelets, but a high platelet distribution index in a blood test cannot be considered solely as a sign of anemia.
• Bleeding: In conditions such as severe surgeries where a person may bleed, the number of platelets increases.
• Cancer: Cancer patients usually have fewer stratum corneum cells due to decreased acidoside levels, which increases blood platelets.

What is the sign of high pdw in blood test?

Some experts believe that a high Pdw in a blood test can indicate certain conditions, including the following:

• increasing the possibility of abortion in pregnant women
• increasing the probability of damage to the retina of patients with uncontrolled diabetes
• Increased blood clotting and heart or brain attack
• Increasing the possibility of bladder or stomach cancer

If after the blood test you find that the pdw index is higher than the normal range, don't worry, because this situation can be temporary... The best solution in this situation is to see a doctor so that the pdw in the high blood test can be interpreted correctly.

Learn more: What is TIBC in a blood test?

pdw in pregnancy blood test

The pdw index naturally increases slightly during pregnancy.. But when this parameter is too high, there is a possibility of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. The normal value of pdw in pregnancy blood test is between 9.42 and 19.12. If this blood factor is higher than normal during pregnancy, the gynecologist suspects platelet preeclampsia or high platelet test in pregnancy.

Learn more: What is MCH in a blood test?

What should be done to restore the pdw level to normal?

In order to normalize this blood factor, the main cause of its increase or decrease must first be checked by a doctor. The pdw index may be affected by various factors such as infection, inflammation, blood disorders, nutritional deficiencies, or problems related to the brain and bones..

Usually, after observing a change in platelet distribution width, the doctor will help with blood tests and further imaging to check the general condition of the body and the function of various organs. Finally, after determining the underlying cause of increased PDW in the blood test, the doctor uses appropriate solutions to treat it..

For example, if the increase in this index is caused by a lack of vitamin B12, changes in the diet, or the doctor starts taking supplements with the right dose... Also, if the pdw increases due to liver or kidney disease, treating the problems of the mentioned organs is a priority.

PDW test supplementary tests

When the reason for the change in the pdw index is not clear in the blood test, the doctor uses the results of additional tests... Additional tests based on the doctor's suspected cause and review of the CBC test results include the following:

• CRP or ESR test to detect inflammation
• Necessary tests for infectious diseases and bacteria or virus detection
• HIT antibody test to confirm autoimmune disease
• Kidney failure test
• testing for bleeding disorders such as PT, PTT and fibrinogen deficiency
• Necessary test to check kidney function
• Blood test to check iron, folate and vitamin B12
• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy in unexplained cases such as the possibility of cancer

Learn more: What is HCT?

Guide to see a doctor

The pdw index in the blood test, also called the platelet distribution width, evaluates the extent of the difference in the size of the platelets. In fact, this parameter, which is part of the complete blood count or CBC test, shows the changes in the size of the blood platelets.. Convert.

You can ask more questions about this important parameter in your blood test sheet.. You can visit the website of GCORP LLC and consult with the best specialist doctors including internist online.... Also GCORP LLC provides you the possibility to make an appointment with the specialist of your choice through the online consultation system.... You can also consult a general practitioner online or visit your favorite doctor through the online appointment system to see a general practitioner in person.

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