Lab value woes

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Hi! I lurk here often, but this is my first time posting. I'm currently in my second clinical and have a question regarding a lab value for one of my patients. She is a post c/section mom. One of her values states that her RDW is low. Does anyone know what RDW is and why it would be low? Thanks so much! :roll

~Angie

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RDW is an indication of the variation in RBC size. RBC's are usually all approximately of the same size. Some type of anemia, maybe?

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Thank you so much! You are a lifesaver!

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:chuckle red cell distribution width

i have a great lab book.

laboratory and diagnostic tests with nursing implications, sixth edition by joyce lefevere kee

great reference book. :)

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Specializes in ER.

Seems to me that if someone has had a big bleed the less mature RBC's can be sent out to help with O2 transport resulting in a smaller average width.

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I just love the way understanding the body makes such wonderful sense (with the proper reference material and resources to help with the explanation). Thanks for the explanation.

Welcome babygirl... I hope you post often!

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