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What Does An Elevated RDW Post Total Knee Replacement Indicate?
I just received a copy of my latest blood test after having total knee replacement. My RDW is high - 15.6%. What does that mean? Shall I make an appointment with my doctor? She ordered the test because she was concerned that the knee is still hot/warm and red around the incision two and a half months after surgery. YYYY@YYYY Thank you.
Tue, 28 May 2019
Hello,
RDW in itself is not related to infection but to anemia. Thus it being high does not indicate that you are having an infection. If you had high WBC and high ERS or CRP, then chances for infection would be considerable.
Even in the case of anemia, RDW alone is not a good indicator unless there is a decrease of hemoglobin, RBC or hematocrit.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician
RDW in itself is not related to infection but to anemia. Thus it being high does not indicate that you are having an infection. If you had high WBC and high ERS or CRP, then chances for infection would be considerable.
Even in the case of anemia, RDW alone is not a good indicator unless there is a decrease of hemoglobin, RBC or hematocrit.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General & Family Physician
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