HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Do RDW Value Of 15.5 Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 28 Jul 2015

Question: Hi. My RDW is 15.5 & my Lympth absolute is 3.2 , is this normal? as it shows high on the blood work results. My Dr wasn't concerned about it or even ordered more testing to double check.

lymp

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Mildly increased RDW may indicate anemia.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Your findings suggests mildly increased RDW.
Normal range of RDW is 11.5-14.5%.It measures variation in RBC size.
It may be due to anemia,recent hemorrhage etc.It is important to know other parameters like hemoglobin level,MCV,MCH,MCHC.
It is not a serious issue.
If other findings supports anemia then you may need iron and folic acid tablet supplementation for anemia.

Absolute lymphocyte count is normal.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (13 minutes later)

Hemoglobin 14.0
MCV 86
MCH28.4
MCHC 33.1
low Testosterone 222
under acting thyroid THS 8.030
Thank You so much.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
As other factors are normal,mildly increased RDW can be ignored.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Since all factors related to RBC are normal,so mildly increased RDW can be ignored.

Low testosterone level need proper evaluation.It is important to evaluate clinically.It may cause variety of symptoms.

TSH level is increased.You may need thyroid hormone supplementation.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (32 minutes later)

My PSI is 1.0 and I am 40, the question is it too high to be on testosterone injections? or I need to investigate more about my prostate health before starting these injection since they may cause prostate cancer. I tell you the truth I don't want a prostate check up done it's very disturbing you know.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I suggest for proper evaluation before starting replacement therapy.

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I suggest for proper evaluation before starting hormone replacement therapy because it may affect multiple organs like prostate,heart etc.
Normal prostate screening is not cumbersome.It may need blood test,ultrasound and few clinical tests.You should go for it.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Please rate my answer if you are satisfied.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj