Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
A measurement of the variation in Red Blood Cell volume and is part of the standard FBC and is used in the assessment of anaemias, although a number of conditions causing anaemia may present with a normal RDW. It is calculated from the (Standard Deviation of the MCV/mean MCV) * 100. The units are % and normal range is 11.5 to 14.5%.
Specimen container paediatric:
Light Pink – EDTA
Specimen container adult:
Purple – EDTA
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5mL
Minimum volume adult:
1.0mL
Special requirements:
Ensure adequate mixing.
Sample stability:
24 hrs
Transport requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Freq analysis:
Continuous
Add on test:
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS Haematology
Interpretation:
Reference ranges:
Red Cell Distribution Width 10.0 to 14.0%
Other info:
As part of a full blood count.