What to do when the erythrocyte distribution index is lowered? What does the RDW (CV and SD) indicator mean in a blood test, why is it increased or increased What is the distribution of red blood cells by volume.

In the process of research, various components of the blood are determined, or rather, their number.

Erythrocytes are blood cells whose task is to:

• maintaining an acid-base balance;
• withdrawal from plasma of various amino acids;
• isotonic support;
• oxygen saturation;
• removal of carbon dioxide from the cells and tissues of the body.

It is quite clear that, of various etiologies, disturbances in the quantitative content of red blood cells in the blood lead to various diseases of the human body as a whole. The main component of the erythrocyte is hemoglobin.

Blood analysis

When examining blood in the laboratory, regardless of its purpose, first of all, studies of the level of leukocytes are carried out, as well as hemoglobin saturation:

• with an increased content of leukocytes, blockage of small vessels can be observed,
• with an insufficient number of red blood cells, oxygen starvation can occur.

In the analysis, there are such concepts as: the average volume of erythrocytes, the content of hemoglobin in one erythrocyte, the concentration of hemoglobin. Also an important indicator is the width of the distribution of erythrocytes, whether it is increased.

Increased red blood cell distribution width

The width of distribution in a healthy person is a value equal to 11.5 to 14.5 percent. When elevated this indicator, that is, with an increase in the width of the distribution, erythrocytes differ greatly from each other in size. The increased size of erythrocytes shortens their lifespan, which by itself negatively affects the total number of erythrocytes in the blood.

As you know, with a fairly large destruction of erythrocytes, as a result of which a large number of iron, the yellow pigment of bilirubin, which is taken to the liver for further processing. The liver, under this load, cannot fully cope with the processing of iron, which also adversely affects human health. Also, the width of the distribution of erythrocytes with an increase affects the work of the spleen, leading it to increase in size, due to the fact that the spleen removes “non-working” erythrocytes from the body and releases new ones into the blood.

Such increased functionality of the spleen can affect nearby organs. Due to a significant increase, the latter can crush the stomach and intestines. With pressure on the lung, the development of various kinds of diseases of the upper respiratory tract is also possible.

With an increased width of the distribution of erythrocytes, one can, first of all, judge a disease called "iron deficiency anemia". This disease is the most common among anemia. On the different stages the indicator of the width of the distribution of erythrocytes is not equally increased. In the initial stages of the disease, the density index may be normal, but the hemoglobin content index may be lowered.

With the development of the disease, the width of the distribution of erythrocytes increases, that is, individual erythrocytes increase in size. The content of hemoglobin in erythrocytes, on the contrary, decreases, sometimes to a critical level. Treatment of this type of anemia primarily consists in normalizing the level of hemoglobin and its characteristics. Treatment is mainly through medication with the use of drugs with a high iron content.

With an increase in the width of the distribution of erythrocytes, the heterogeneity of erythrocytes is often noticed, that is, erythrocytes are observed in the blood that differ greatly in size. Also, the reasons for the increase in the width of the distribution of erythrocytes can be of various kinds. chronic diseases liver, lack of vitamin B12, various neoplasms, cancer diseases and other boards.

Symptoms of an increase in the width of the distribution of red blood cells

With the development of an increased width of the distribution of erythrocytes, various manifestations can be observed.

For example, since in this case there is a considerable effect on the liver and spleen, yellowness of the skin and an increase in body temperature may appear. As with any disease, sweating, loss of strength, drowsiness and fatigue are manifested. On the part of the human nervous system, both excitations and, vice versa, more renounced states are possible. In any case, the symptoms cannot be specifically described, as changes in red blood cells affect many organs.

Consequently, a violation of the width of the distribution of erythrocytes can lead to diseases of a different nature and severity of the course, since the human body is a rather complex system, with a number of interconnected organs and systems. The abnormal functioning of one of them can lead to a malfunction of the body as a whole.

RBC distribution width (RDW) increased

If the blood index RDW (erythrocyte distribution width) is higher than normal, this means that the risk of anemia is increased and a person with such blood indicators should visit a hematologist in the near future. Elevated RDW values ​​indicate, in addition to anemia, also an increased risk of malignant blood pathologies caused by diseases of the bone marrow.

Determination of the distribution width of erythrocytes

The RDW value shows the heterogeneity (diversity) of erythrocytes (Er) in size. Normally, the average volume of erythrocytes (MCV) in an adult is from 80 fl dofl (µm 3). The appearance of small erythrocytes (microcytes) and / or large Er (macrocytes) is noted in blood pathologies.

Various types of anemia, myeloproliferative diseases are accompanied by changes in the size of red blood cells. Transformed Er appear in the blood, the sizes of which are smaller or larger than normal.

The range of Er sizes from the smallest microcytes to the largest macrocytes is called the distribution width of erythrocytes by volume.

The clinical significance necessary for the diagnosis of anemia, bone marrow pathologies is erythrocyte indices:

• RDW-CV is the coefficient of variation (CV) of Er dimensions;
• RDW-SD - means the relative width of the distribution of erythrocytes by volume.

What does RDW-CV show?

The RDW-CV index is measured as a percentage, calculated on the basis of the Er distribution width plot. The coefficient of variation is calculated in the following way:

RDW-CV=SD*100%/ MCV.

The calculated distribution of erythrocyte width CV depends on the average size of erythrocytes, if RDW-CV is increased, then this may mean both an increase in the number of macrocytes and an increase in microcytes.

The SD value is the value of the deviation of the Er value from the average value up and down from midline on the chart.

Changes in this index can be traced by the erythrocyte histogram.

• With an increase in the coefficient of variation, the shift of the histogram to the right side increases with the appearance of a significant number of macrocytes.
• The predominant content of microcytes leads to a shift of the histogram to the left, towards smaller values ​​of erythrocyte cells.

Index RDW-SD

The RDW-SD indicator is calculated automatically by the hematology analyzer and provides a ready-made result based on the erythrocyte histogram. This blood index is measured in fl (µm 3), and means the difference between the largest and smallest Er.

And if the hematology analyzer calculates the RDW-CV by the formula, then an erythrocyte (RBC) histogram is needed to calculate the RDW-SD. On it, along the OX axis, the Er values ​​measured in fl are indicated, and on the OY axis, the total number of erythrocytes in percent.

The RDW-SD value is numerically equal to the length of the straight line segment on the OX axis drawn on the erythrocyte histogram at the level of 20% along the OY axis.

RDW standards

Normally, the value of the relative scatter width Er RDW-SD is constant and amounts to 37 - 47 fl. Pathological deviation of the size of erythrocytes from the norm or anisocytosis is noted when the RDW-SD values ​​are more than 60 fl.

On the histogram, this means that the value of the relative distribution width by volume is increased if the scatter of erythrocytes in the sizes of the smallest and largest Er on a straight line drawn along the OY axis at a level of 20% is greater than 60 fl.

The norms of the coefficient of variation of erythrocytes RDW-CV - distribution width by volume, table.

The norm of the width of the distribution of erythrocyte cells changes during pregnancy, and is by trimester:

RDW-SD is different hypersensitivity to the appearance of microcytes. RDW-CV is particularly sensitive to anisocytosis, the occurrence of abnormalities in the size of Er blood.

The level of anisocytosis of a blood sample reflects the heterogeneity (variability) of erythrocytes in size.

There are degrees of anisocytosis:

Deciphering the analysis

Erythrocyte RDW indices, obtained by processing the sample with hematological automatic analyzers, are necessary for early diagnosis:

• deficiency of Fe, folate, vitamin B12;
• types of anemia;
• morphology of erythrocytes - structural features and sizes;
• myeloproliferative diseases affecting the bone marrow.

The decoding of the analysis data is carried out taking into account all erythrocyte indices. When interpreting the distribution width Er, the MCV value is of particular importance.

Raise RDW

The red blood cell distribution index by volume is increased in anemia caused by B12 deficiency, which means that the number of macroerythrocytes in the blood is increased, and the histogram is shifted to the right.

If the width of distribution by volume is increased, but such an index of erythrocytes as MCV is increased, one can assume:

• hemolytic anemia;
• B12 deficiency;
• cold agglutination is a disease associated with the appearance in the blood of antibodies that stick red blood cells together in response to the action of cold.

Increased RDW (wide distribution. erythr.) and increased MCV in liver disease, anemia caused by a lack of vitamin B9.

An increase in the distribution width with a reduced index of the average volume of erythrocytes is observed in diseases:

Increasing the spread width Er at normal MCV values ​​may indicate:

• for lack of vitamins B9 and B12;
• to the development of iron deficiency.

With increased values ​​of the distribution width in the blood, an accelerated destruction of erythrocyte cells occurs, due to which the liver and spleen work at the limit of their capabilities. This leads to a violation of their functions, which manifests itself:

• the appearance of excess bilirubin;
• high content of Fe;
• enlargement of the spleen.

RDW reduction

A decrease in the width of the distribution of Er by volume means that there are cells of similar sizes in the blood. The scatter limits of the RDW-CV value are narrowed in the following cases:

• oncological diseases - myeloma, leukemia;
• hemolysis - destruction of red blood cells;
• injuries with significant blood loss;
• deficiency of iron, vitamins of group B.

With a decrease in RDW-CV to 10.2%, macrocytic or microcytic anemia is suggested. In these forms of the disease, erythrocytes are predominantly increased or decreased in size compared to the norm.

Microcytic anemias include iron deficiency, iron saturated, iron redistributive. Macrocytic anemia develops with hypothyroidism, pregnancy, liver disease, hematopoietic disorders in bone marrow, lack of copper, vitamins B12, folic acid.

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The distribution width of erythrocytes (RDW index): what is it, the norm, increased and decreased

To determine different populations of red blood cells, an indicator (erythrocyte index) is used - the width of the distribution of erythrocytes - RDW or the degree of anisocytosis of erythrocytes, which is included in the list of all components general analysis blood (KLA), that is, this parameter is usually not prescribed on its own and is not studied in the laboratory.

So what does such an erythrocyte index as RDW mean, what information does it carry to specialists and why is it used?

Distribution of erythrocytes by volume

If we examine under a microscope the red blood cells present in the blood of a patient suffering from a certain hematological pathology, we can find that the erythrocytes (Er) are not all the same in volume. Among all non-nuclear biconcave forms, there may be cells that differ significantly in size from normal erythrocytes:

• Large cells - macrocytes;
• Just giants - megalocytes;
• Lilliputian cells, which are called microcytes.

And here it is not necessary to be a specialist in this field in order to understand that red blood cells that have changed their volume will not be able to fully fulfill their physiological functions(transfer of oxygen and nutrients, regulation of water-salt metabolism and acid-base balance, participation in blood coagulation, etc.), which, of course, will affect the overall health of the body.

Meanwhile, one should not attach too much importance if ugly forms are present in single copies, it is another matter if they claim an equal position with normal erythrocytes. In order to find out how many in the general population of erythrocytes there are bizarre shapes characteristic of a particular type of anemia, and calculate the width of the distribution of erythrocytes (erythrocyte index RDW).

many doctors laboratory diagnostics and hematologists take RDW as a coefficient of variation, indicating how much the average red blood cell volume (MCV) deviates from the generally accepted norm, and calculate it by the formula:

where SD denotes the standard deviation of the mean volume of red blood cells, and the MCV index corresponds to their mean volume.

Is it always possible to believe the norm?

Range normal values distribution of erythrocytes by volume varies within 11.5 - 14.5% (in children up to six months, the norm, in general, differs markedly and ranges from 14% to 18.7%, although from 6 months the values ​​\u200b\u200bof the indicator are already beginning to tend to adult norm).

An elevated RDW in a blood test indicates the degree of heterogeneity (heterogeneity) of red blood cell populations or indicates the presence of several blood cell populations in the sample, which occurs, for example, after a recent blood transfusion.

It is hardly possible to use the term “reduced RDW value” when calculating the width of the distribution of erythrocytes, since this option reflects, as it were, the norm, and therefore cannot be taken as a laboratory indicator characterizing some phenomenon unusual for these blood elements. The less unnatural forms (due to an increase or decrease in volume) of erythrocytes in the blood, the more representatives of the population for this trait are within the normal digital values. And yet, if this happens (RDW - lowered), then, most likely, the analyzer made a mistake, and in order to correct this oversight, the patient will have to provide a finger for a puncture again, and the laboratory staff will have to calibrate the device.

In addition, it should be taken into account that RDW, which is within the normal range, is not always proof of complete health, because in some cases the indicator of red blood cell distribution by volume is not increased, but clinical manifestations and laboratory tests confirm the presence of the disease (anemia).

Increased RDW

An elevated index is quite a suitable indicator even for differential diagnosis some types of anemia, it allows you to distinguish between their forms:

1. Megaloblastic and macrocytic, a typical representative is B12 / folic / -deficiency anemia. In the blood test: hyperchromia, the average volume of Er is above 160 fl, the cell diameter is more than 12 μm, RDW is increased (anisocytosis), different forms of erythrocytes (poikilocytosis);
2. Normocytic: aplastic anemia, as well as anemia caused by chronic pathology (tuberculosis, pyelonephritis, collagenoses, liver disease), a malignant process, or caused by dysfunction of the endocrine system;
3. Microcytic (iron deficiency anemia, in the blood test: hypochromia, anisocytosis towards microcytosis).

True, in such cases, in addition to RDW, the diagnosis also relies on another erythrocyte index - MCV, which characterizes a red blood cell as a normocyte (at 80 x / l - 100 x / l or 80 - 100 femtoliters), microcyte (at - below 80 fl), macrocyte (if the average volume is more than 100 fl).

In addition, when testing blood samples in order to calculate the values ​​of erythrocyte indices (including RDW), it is very important to compare the results obtained with the histogram of erythrocytes, which, after completing their work, is usually issued by modern hematological systems with software.

Thus, an increased RDW with values ​​of the mean erythrocyte volume (MCV) above 100 fl may indicate the following pathological conditions:

• IDA (iron deficiency anemia) - the most common anemic condition (IDA accounts for up to 80% in the entire group of diseases of this kind)
• Sideroblastic anemia (a heterogeneous group of hypochromic microcytic anemias);
• Macrocytic and megaloblastic anemia;
• Myelodysplastic syndromes, which are a hematological pathology that combines a group of heterogeneous diseases with characteristic features reduction in the number of individual populations of cellular elements in the blood (cytopenia) and clonal disorders of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow (dysplasia). Myelodysplastic syndrome is characterized by a high risk of transformation into a malignant process;
• Bone marrow metaplasia;
• Metastases malignant tumors into the bone marrow.

Obviously, for a certain range of pathological conditions, the calculation of the width of the distribution of erythrocytes has a very important diagnostic value.

Why is RDW a new indicator for patients?

Previously, until automated hematological systems entered the daily life of the laboratory service, the degree of anisocytosis was determined visually, when viewing a smear using optical equipment. And the distribution width of erythrocytes was not called RDW and was not calculated by a device designed for automatic hematological analysis. The calculation was carried out by a different method - using the Price-Jones curve, which, as it turned out later, did not coincide with the erythrocytometric curves performed by the “smart” machine with maximum accuracy, but it took a lot of effort and time for doctors and laboratory assistants to conduct the study. Now, having placed the sample in the "smart" apparatus, no one asks him one question - to work only on a separate test. The analyzer simply calculates everything that is provided for by the program and is embedded in it, so patients began to see new indicators, which were not even mentioned when processing samples manually.

And such studies were previously of interest mainly to hematologists to clarify the nature of anemia, who, if necessary, turned to the laboratory with a note in the direction: to conduct a morphological study of erythrocytes, calculate and present graphically (Price-Jones erythrocytometric curve) the ratio of the number of red cells with different diameters. Of course, not all blood samples were subjected to such testing, but only samples taken from specific patients. Now, in principle, nothing has changed, this indicator is likely to be of interest to a separate circle of specialists. Well, if RDW is present in the blood test, then patients have the right to ask questions.

Currently, an automatic hematology analyzer successfully copes with the calculation of RDW in a blood test, which quietly, quickly and efficiently solves the problem. And makes RDW everyone.

The width of the distribution of erythrocytes is increased - what is it?

When giving blood for a general analysis in polyclinics, people approximately know that laboratory assistants in the process of research determine the number of certain cells or blood cells in the body of the person being examined. More precisely, 50-60% of blood is liquid plasma, and platelets, erythrocytes and leukocytes are suspended shaped elements, which account for, respectively, from 40 to 50% of general composition blood.

As for erythrocytes, these red bodies are:

• regulate acid-base balance;
• adsorb lipids, amino acids from plasma;
• maintain isotonia;
• carry oxygen to the tissues from the lungs and return carbon dioxide to the lungs from the tissues.

Therefore, it is clear that a violation of the number of red blood cells in the blood leads to various kinds of diseases in humans.

The main component of the erythrocyte is hemoglobin, a special respiratory pigment.

General blood analysis

Thus, when a complete blood count is taken from a patient, both the total number of red blood cells and the concentration of hemoglobin are checked.

• An increased content of red blood cells leads to blockage of capillaries;
• A low number of red cells will lead to oxygen starvation.

In this case, it is customary to distinguish the following erythrocyte indices:

• Mean erythrocyte volume - MCV;
• The average content of hemoglobin in one erythrocyte - MCH;
• The average hemoglobin concentration is MCHC.

These parameters are determined by a special device - a hematological analyzer. It also shows another blood parameter - the width of the distribution of erythrocytes - RDW.

The distribution width of erythrocytes is measured as a percentage and the rate is considered to be from 11.5 to 14.5.

More about RDW

So, it happens that the width of the distribution of erythrocytes is increased or vice versa is almost zero. This means that the erythrocytes present in the blood are too different from each other in size, and in the zero variant, they are almost the same. In the first case, there is anisocytosis, which, by the way, does not have an independent character, i.e. must be due to some reason. A decrease in the size of red blood cells is a slow process of blood formation and the appearance of degenerative red cells. And the increase in size is an indicator of their increased production. And now, when there are too many micro- and macroelectrocytes in the blood, the body sounds the alarm.

Diagnosis of diseases

Most often, the doctor diagnoses such a patient with anemia. At the same time, microanisocytosis appears due to hypochromic anemia, and macro - pernicious anemia. But in both cases, the width of the distribution of erythrocytes is increased. And both options require long-term treatment, which results in the formation of new, normal blood cells. By the way, there are a number of other diseases in which anisocytosis is observed. If this is microcytosis, then the following are possible:

If this is macrocytosis, then the following are not excluded:

• Diffuse liver damage;
• Alcoholism;
• Folate deficiency anemia.

In any case, the final, only correct diagnosis will be made by a specialist, and therefore a visit to the doctor is simply necessary. Because a competent doctor can make a correct conclusion based on analyzes. More than once we have seen how a young mother ran down the corridor in panic horror with test results in her hands and lamented, not even suspecting that some parameters in blood tests in a child are even higher than in an adult.

Interestingly, the red blood cells in newborns are larger than those of their parents.

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Why is the distribution width of erythrocytes increased and treatment

Deviation of indicators from the norm indicates pathological processes occurring in the body. During the analysis, it can be revealed that the width of the distribution of red blood cells is increased. What does it say?

The components of blood are:

red bodies

Red blood cells are blood cells that stain it in a characteristic color. At healthy people they are the same in size and shape. Red cells perform the following tasks:

• ensuring a normal acid-base environment;
• oxygen saturation;
• isotonic support;
• removal of carbon dioxide from tissues.

The proper functioning of red cells depends on their volume in the blood.

Violation of the level of red blood cells is caused by the development of any pathology in the body.

The main constituent of red cells is hemoglobin.

Blood test

At laboratory analysis blood, first of all, the number of leukocytes and the level of hemoglobin are established:

• at increased rate leukocytes may be a blockage of small vessels;
• with insufficient volume of red cells, oxygen deficiency is observed.

An important indicator of a blood test is the width of the distribution of erythrocytes. In healthy people, it is in percentage terms from 11.5 to 14.5. With an increase in this level, erythrocytes globally differ in size from each other. Increased parameters of red cells reduce their vital activity, which in itself negatively affects the total number of red blood cells.

With a sufficiently large-scale destruction of red cells, a large amount of iron, the yellow pigment of bilirubin, is concentrated in the blood, which enters the liver for further processing. Under the influence of such a load, she cannot fully cope with this, which negatively affects the well-being of a person, his health. Also, with an increase in the width of the distribution of red cells, there is a negative impact on the functioning of the spleen. It increases in parameters due to the fact that it cleanses the body of "broken" red blood cells, and throws new cells into the blood.

Such activity of the spleen can adversely affect neighboring organs. With its increase, there is pressure on the intestines, stomach, lungs.

When an increase in the width of the distribution of red cells is determined, then first of all, experts judge a pathology called "iron deficiency anemia". This disease is the most common. At different stages, the level of width is increased in different ways. At the initial stage of the pathological course, the density coefficient may correspond to the norm, and the hemoglobin content may be reduced.

With the development of the disease, there is an increase in the width of the distribution of bodies, that is, some red blood cells become larger in parameters. The hemoglobin index in cells, on the contrary, falls, sometimes even to a critical level. Treatment of this type of pathology is associated with the normalization of its level. Basically, therapy involves the use of medications containing a large amount of iron.

An increase in RDW in adults, children, during pregnancy can occur when anemia develops, the body lacks vitamins, and there are liver pathologies.

If there is an increase in the width of the distribution of cells, heterogeneity of erythrocytes is often observed. In the blood there are bodies that differ significantly in size. Also, the factors of this pathological course can be various chronic diseases liver, vitamin B12 deficiency, any neoplasms, cancerous tumors, etc.

In an adult, a blood sample is taken from a vein in the morning on an empty stomach. In a child, analysis is usually taken from a finger.

Symptoms

When the relative width of the distribution of erythrocytes increases, various symptoms may appear.

For example, yellowing is observed skin, since in this case there is a serious effect on the functioning of the liver and spleen, an increase in temperature. As with many other diseases, the patient's sweating increases, the person becomes drowsy, easily fatigued, and weak. Due to the impact on nervous system, the patient has a frequent change of mood: excitement is abruptly replaced by renunciate behavior. In each situation, the symptoms cannot be accurately described, since changes in red blood cells affect many human organs.

From this it follows that a change in the width of the distribution of bodies sometimes causes pathologies of a diverse nature and severity of development, since the body is a rather complex system with a line of interconnected organs. The malfunctioning of any of them can cause a malfunction of the whole organism.

The relative width of the distribution of erythrocytes by volume is increased or decreased

As a result of blood sampling, in order to exclude a particular disease in humans, doctors in the laboratory conduct the necessary studies to identify pathologies in the collected plasma and its constituent cellular elements in the form of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets. The described elements for the performance of their normal function are determined by typical sizes, volumes (CV) and shapes. Therefore, any change in these indicators can affect the vital activity and active functioning of cells and, as a result, lead to various changes in homeostasis. Therefore, in order to be able to correctly assess the described cells, an indicator was developed in the form of a certain index indicating the width of the distribution of erythrocytes (rdw).

Using such an erythrocyte index, it is possible to determine in the hematopoietic system the presence of red blood cells of different volumes, their distribution and the scale of differences between the largest and smallest described elements. Often, the so-called blood cells have a homogeneous structure, and a single volume is indicated, but over time or as a result of the emergence of certain pathologies in humans, some discrepancies may be observed between cells.

Moreover, in nature there are such diseases that can be determined on early stage its manifestation only due to a blood test for the width of the distribution of erythrocytes - RDW CV.

What determines the width of the distribution of erythrocytes

And so the term described is due to a certain index, the use of which makes it possible for physicians to obtain information about the actual distribution of blood cells of various sizes and shapes. That is, when deciphering this index, you can get information about the percentage of erythrocytes in the hematopoietic system - the size and volume of these cells, which can be increased or decreased.

In order to fill the existing blood cells with oxygen, blood particles need to have a secured passage even into the smallest vessels of the human body. That is why, both in physiological terms and in size, the described bodies must fit the so-called openings of the vessels.

If excessively large or very small described elements are formed in the hematopoietic system, this leads to all kinds of changes in the described structural units of the human body. As a result, a person has a need to designate the cellular component of plasma by using an indicator in the form of RDW CV.

How the study is carried out and what is the norm for the width of the distribution of erythrocytes

Blood for the calculated distribution of the described cells is taken for research in view of:

• Planned analysis;
• Necessary diagnostics of certain pathological phenomena;
• Operable intervention in the human body;
• Origin diverse etiology anemia.

Just the same, the last described pathological conditions are a common indicator indicating the need for certain blood tests. Especially since state-of-the-art methods blood sampling from a person makes it possible to carry out any examination of the hematopoietic system quite quickly and with high quality, giving a correct assessment of the state of the erythrocytes themselves.

The results of the tests performed will be negative if the described indicators are normal, and positive if the RDW level is high. And only with a second examination, the physician will be able to explain to the patient the pattern and reasons for this increase, since it is impossible to establish a reliable diagnosis based on a single blood sampling. So, for example, after carrying out any operation, the described index is usually determined by increased level RDW.

Blood for research can be taken from an adult patient from a vein, and from a child from a finger. When passing the analysis itself, the recommended last meal should be taken 7-8 hours before the study itself.

To determine the norm of the indicator, the following are taken into account: age, gender and certain physiological processes occurring in human body. For infants aged 0 to one year, an indicator ranging from 11.5 to 18.7% can be considered the defining value of the norm.

After the first year of life, the digital value of the index begins to approach the norm from 11.5 to 14.5%. In the representatives of the weaker sex, the upper indicator can shift and reach digital value in 15.5%, as a result hormonal changes body:

• During pregnancy;
• During lactation;
• When using contraceptive means;
• In view of the beginning of the menopause.

Important! Blood sampling should be carried out on an empty stomach. Before the study, you can not use any medications inside.

In the process of in-depth study of the features of the distribution index of the described cells, it is customary to consider the following two values ​​in the form:

• RDW (SD) - an indicator that determines the standard type of deviation from the norm, is determined by femtoliters and indications of the quantitative difference between large and small cells;
• RDW (SV) - indicates the existing differences in the volumetric value of the described elements and the established average indicators. It is revealed by the percentage correlation of cells that have succumbed to deformation to the mass of all erythrocytes.

Reasons for the increase

The described coefficient of blood cells is higher than normal with an increase in the percentage correlation between small and enlarged cells, in relation to the described elements having sufficient volume. Due to the so-called redistribution of iron-containing protein, which is the basis of blood cells, their smallest number begins to be synthesized in the body, which subsequently leads to the manifestation of various anemias, to anisocytosis - when the main part of the cells has characteristic differences from each other.

According to the foregoing, the main feature of such bodies is their sufficient size, as well as the period of life. As a result of their death, a decent amount of bilirubin is released, which has a very bad effect on all organs of the human body.

The coefficient that distributes blood cells by volume can be high, since there are:

• Lack in the body of such components as iron, folic acid, vitamins belonging to group "B". Such a condition may, not without reason, give a chance for the development of such a disease as anisocytosis, in which there is an increase in this index of elements of the hematopoietic system;
• Oncological diseases leading to the formation of red blood cells of various sizes and volumes in the hematopoietic system;
• Intoxication with chemical elements in the form of the heaviest metals (which is, for example, lead).

All of the above signs of illness should be stopped when using professional therapy. Otherwise, they will seriously harm the body and lead a person to death.

Reasons for the decrease in the indicator

With RDW - CV below normal, the existing elements of the hematopoietic system are indicated by the same size without any differences in cell volume. With a reduced volume indicator under consideration, most often physicians diagnose a condition in the form of microcytosis, in which the elements present in the blood, indicated by small sizes, cannot fully saturate the tissues of the human body with oxygen.

Also, with a decrease in the indicator, a disease is often encountered, accompanied by the unity of the main elements of blood of small sizes, along with a reduced rate of RDW in the form of thalassemia. Which refers to diseases of a hereditary nature, and manifests itself as a violation of the processes of synthesis of iron-containing protein chains, with reduced activation in relation to oxygen. In light of this, plasma is no longer able to participate in the process of gas exchange in a normal and adequate way, which ultimately leads to a change in the functioning of existing organs in humans.

This disease is also characterized by ongoing changes in the morphological properties of blood cells, with inhibition of their growth and a decrease in activity. The clinic of this disease is due to the deformation of the human cranium, the growth of organs, such as the liver and spleen, as well as the icteric color of the skin.

Also, with a reduced ratio of similar blood cells, a disease called microspherocytosis, which is a hereditary ailment, can develop. When such a disease appears in the hematopoietic system, there is more than a nominal small size, a certain form of erythrocytes, along with a decrease in the RDW coefficient, due to their insufficient vital activity. As a result, intravascular cell death occurs and so-called hemolysis develops.

In such a state, a person feels weakness, anemia, a manifestation of jaundice, characteristic of this state, along with changes in the activity of all organs of the human body.

If any of the above symptoms occur, you should immediately seek medical help and, for your own safety, carry out complete examination the whole organism. Only in this way can one protect oneself, thereby preventing one or another disease that may already have arisen.

With any violation of human health, a blood test for red blood cells explains a lot. If the red blood cells are low, it is important to seek medical help in time.

General analysis is the most important research method, and the number, level of erythrocytes, their distribution index fully reflect changes in the body.

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What does it mean?

The average volume parameters change throughout life, therefore, age is taken into account when deciphering the analysis. If the average volume of erythrocytes is lowered, then the bodies are less than the expected norm.

Why is lowered in an adult?

Among the common factors for reducing volume indicators are:

• microcytic anemia with iron deficiency (iron deficiency anemia, sideroblastic anemia, thalassemia);
• normocytic form of pathology with large blood loss, with aplastic and other anemia.

Iron deficiency, as well as chronic processes in the body, lead to a decrease in particle size. The macrocytic form with a lack of folic acid occurs with an increased value. The method is used primarily to determine the type of anemia. When determining MCV, they are less likely to observe low level, the causes of pathology are as follows:

• surgical interventions;
• big blood loss;
• donation;
• violation of metabolic processes;
• hormonal disruptions;
• lack of vitamins and minerals.

Causes of decline in a child

In children, various deviations from the average norms are often observed, which means the rapid manifestation of unpleasant symptoms of various diseases. When the average volume of red blood cells is low in a child, a common condition called anemia is often found. The clinical method of research is prescribed to determine the form of the disease and the amount of reduced particles.

RBC distribution index

An important informative method is the erythrocyte distribution index (RDW), which means a complex chemical process of distribution of red blood cells in diameter. Using the method, it is possible to determine the number of deformed cells.

What is he talking about?

Healthy cells have correct form, color. Indicators change dramatically if the body passes inflammatory process. Any deviations are associated with a failure at the cellular level, when the basic functions of red blood cells are disrupted. The average particle index, the average volume in a child and an adult are interconnected, therefore, the method is often prescribed simultaneously. There are two types of RDW indicators: CV and SD.

1. The first value characterizes the ratio of cells as a percentage of its value.
2. The second indicator indicates possible deviations, the difference between the sizes of two different cells.

What does it mean if the indicators are below the norm in women and men, only a specialist will answer: a decrease in values ​​\u200b\u200boften indicates the presence of a serious pathology.

Composition of the blood

Why downgraded?

A reduced particle distribution index in women is rare, which indicates pathological processes in the hematopoietic system. A change in volume, a decrease in numbers is caused by the following reasons:

• chronic diseases;
• development of anemia;
• complications of viral infections;
• malignant formations;
• heredity.

Low red blood cells

In order to find out what to do with low red blood cells, as well as what it says, you need to contact a therapist for an initial consultation. Timely assessment of quantitative and qualitative indicators explains why erythrocytes are lowered. It is important to determine in time when there are few red blood cells in the blood, as well as what this means for each gender and age category.

Norm

For each person, the number of blood cells is different.

In a child under 12 years old, the average numbers start from 3.5 * 10 12 to 5 * 10 12 for both girls and boys.

For the female, the average values ​​start from 3.9 to 4.6 * 10 12. Slightly reduced erythrocytes in the blood in old age. The average value must be at least 4*10 12 .

In old age, erythrocytes are slightly reduced

Downgrade is a disease?

Acute events do not always occur in the body. pathological changes if the analysis showed a low content of blood cells: the reasons may be hidden in poor nutrition, genetic predisposition, in chronic processes. How to increase the number of important particles, you can find out exactly after a series of examinations.

Why can it decrease in women?

Erythropenia in the fair sex is manifested by weakness, dizziness, fatigue, pale skin color with a decrease in the level of blood cells. Few red blood cells in the blood can be for the following reasons:

• severe blood loss;
• decrease in the amount of iron, low content of the element in the diet;
• occult bleeding, stomach ulcer, oncology;
• insufficient assimilation of essential vitamin substances;
• violation of the transfusion process;
• hereditary pathologies;
• bone marrow tumors;
• anemia.

In women during pregnancy, the numbers are slightly below normal, which means hormonal and other changes.

How to raise?

If red blood cells are significantly reduced in the blood, you need to know how to quickly raise them. Traditional treatment includes medicines, a balanced diet, proper lifestyle, intake of vitamins and minerals. When the causes of a decrease in blood cells are oncological diseases, appropriate therapy is also prescribed.

If red blood cells are lowered, each person should know what this means in order to see a doctor in time.

Useful video

How a general blood test is done in the laboratory - the video will tell:

Conclusion

1. Low red blood cells can be a sign of many diseases, which is learned in detail from modern laboratory tests.
2. Research methods provide comprehensive information about important parameters. If important particles in the blood are low, you can find out their average volume, distribution index and compare with the accepted norm.
3. Questions of blood diseases are within the competence of a hematologist, who should be contacted in order to find out what low red blood cells are talking about in a woman or a man.

In contact with

Erythrocytes are red blood cells that perform an important function: they nourish tissues with oxygen. The width of the distribution of erythrocytes is the change in erythrocytes in size. External factors can affect cell volume. But mostly the changes occur as a result of the failure of the "assembly" of hemoglobin.

When passing a general blood test, the percentage of red blood cells is calculated. And the distribution of erythrocytes by volume rdw cv is a value that shows how red blood cells vary in size. This value is measured as a percentage. Normal lies in the range from 11.5 to 14.8.

Identification occurs due to the calculation of the width of the distribution of red blood cells. If the rdw cv indicator is somewhat underestimated, then the cells practically do not differ in volumes. But if this indicator is increased, then the cells are both large and small.

Increasing the width of the distribution of erythrocytes

What happens when the width of the distribution of erythrocytes is increased. Cells that are enlarged do not live long. This in itself has a bad effect on the total number of red blood cells. With a large number of destroyed cells, a lot of iron is formed, which subsequently enters the liver for processing. This means that the load on the liver increases, it begins to work poorly.

Also, when the relative width of distribution of erythrocytes by volume is increased, the spleen increases in size. This happens because the spleen gets rid of waste cells and independently replenishes the blood with new ones. The load on this body is enormous. All nearby tissues and organs can also be affected. Namely, there is pressure on the intestines and stomach. But if the lungs are affected, then there may be a problem with the work of the respiratory tract.

The reasons for which the distribution of red blood cells by volume is increased:

• chronic liver diseases;
• lack of vitamin B12;
• cancers, neoplasms.

Symptoms:

• yellow skin color;
• elevated temperature;
• prostration;
• increased sweating;
• drowsiness;
• change of mood.

A common cause of cell enlargement is liver disease. From what does it arise?

• excessive salt intake;
• alcohol abuse;
• overweight;
• infectious diseases;
• toxins.