RDW is a Powerful Predictor of Mortality and Disease Severity

The Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), a standard part of a complete blood count (CBC), is a powerful predictor of mortality and disease severity.

While traditionally used to diagnose anemia, an elevated RDW is now recognized as a key indicator of systemic inflammation and stress. This makes the simple, inexpensive test a crucial tool for identifying high-risk patients across many conditions, including heart failure, sepsis, and cancer.

Higher red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with breast cancer: A retrospective analysis of NHANES data (1999–2018)

Red blood cell distribution width to albumin ratio is linked to all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a retrospective cohort study

This study found that a higher RDW-to-albumin ratio (RAR), a novel marker of inflammation, is a significant predictor of mortality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI).

Patients with a high RAR had increased death rates at 28 days, in the hospital, and in the ICU. The association was even stronger in patients who also had diabetes. The study concludes that the RAR is a potentially valuable and practical tool for identifying a poor prognosis in these high-risk patients.

Red blood cell distribution width to albumin ratio is linked to all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a retrospective cohort study

🩸 Red Blood Cell (RBC) Analysis

This is the most detailed part of the CBC and focuses on your body's ability to carry oxygen.

• Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count: This is the total number of red blood cells you have. These cells are the "delivery trucks" for oxygen throughout your body.
• Hemoglobin (Hgb): This measures the amount of the iron-rich protein in your red blood cells that actually binds to and carries oxygen.
• Hematocrit (Hct): This measures the percentage of your blood volume that is composed of red blood cells.
• Red Cell Indices: These are calculations that provide more detail about the physical characteristics of your red blood cells, which are critical for diagnosing different types of anemia.MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume): The average size of your red blood cells.MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin): The average amount of hemoglobin inside each red blood cell.MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration): The average concentration of hemoglobin inside your red blood cells.RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width): This measures the variation in the size of your red blood cells.

🛡️ White Blood Cell (WBC) Analysis

This part of the test looks at your body's infection-fighting cells.

• White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: This is the total count of all your white blood cells combined. It gives a general idea of the state of your immune system. A high count can suggest an infection or inflammation, while a low count might indicate a weakened immune response. Because this test is without a differential, it does not break down the count into the different types (like neutrophils or lymphocytes).

🩹 Platelet Analysis

This section evaluates the cells responsible for blood clotting.

• Platelet Count (PLT): This measures the total number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are tiny cell fragments that act as the first responders to stop bleeding by forming clots.
• Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): Often included, this measures the average size of your platelets. It can give doctors information about how quickly platelets are being produced in your bone marrow.