Red Cell Distribution Width (part of FBC)
Clinical Background:
A measurement of the variation in Red Blood Cell volume and is part of the standard FBC and is used in the assessment of anaemias, although a number of conditions causing anaemia may present with a...
A measurement of the variation in Red Blood Cell volume and is part of the standard FBC and is used in the assessment of anaemias, although a number of conditions causing anaemia may present with a normal RDW. It is calcualted from the (Standard Deviation of the MCV/mean MCV) * 100. The units are % and normal range is 11.5 - 14.5%
Test Details
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Discipline:
Haematology
Haematology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Purple - EDTA
Purple - EDTA
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Light Pink - EDTA
Light Pink - EDTA
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1.0mL
1.0mL
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5mL
0.5mL
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Special Requirement:
Ensure adequate mixing.
Ensure adequate mixing.
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Sample Stability:
24 hrs
24 hrs
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Transport Requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
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Freq Analysis:
Continuous
Continuous
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Add On Test:
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
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Quality Assurance:
UK NEQAS Haematology
UK NEQAS Haematology
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Reference Ranges:
Red Cell Distribution Width 10.0 - 14.0%
Red Cell Distribution Width 10.0 - 14.0%
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Other Info:
As part of a full blood count.
As part of a full blood count.
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Routine Contact Name:
RVI or Freeman Section Leaders
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Routine Telephone:
RVI: 0191 2820332, Freeman: 0191 2231195
RVI: 0191 2820332, Freeman: 0191 2231195
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Specialist Test:
No
No
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Specialist Contact Name:
Haematology and Haemostasis Healthcare Scientist
Haematology and Haemostasis Healthcare Scientist
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Specialist Telephone:
0191 2139758
0191 2139758
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Specialist Email:
alison.brown93@nhs.net
alison.brown93@nhs.net