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Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

Normal range 11.5-14.5 %. Specimen: Whole blood (EDTA).

Also known as: red cell variation.

11.5-14.5 %Reference range

Reference range

Conventional%
11.514.5

Combined adult band. LabVals does not publish separate men's, women's, or pediatric ranges for Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW); those can be narrower than the band shown.

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) reference range, specimen, and conversion details
SpecimenWhole blood (EDTA)
Conventional range11.5-14.5 %
SI range11.5-14.5 %
Conversion factor×1 (conventional → SI)
PanelComplete Blood Count (CBC)

Convert any Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) result between units on the unit converter.

What is the normal range for Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)?

The standard teaching reference range for Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) is 11.5-14.5 %. This value is measured in whole blood (edta).

Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.

At the bedside

Nursing considerations

  • A high RDW (anisocytosis) with low MCV points toward iron deficiency over thalassemia.
  • Rises early in evolving nutritional anemias.
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