PDW (Platelet Distribution Width) Blood Test For Platelets

PDW (platelet distribution width) blood test is used to measure the variation in size and distribution of platelets in the blood. This information can be helpful in diagnosing certain medical conditions, such as bone marrow disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or viral infections.

 

PDW Blood Test

Here are the basic details for PDW Blood Test.

Also Known As	Platelet Width Distribution Test
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Measure Platelets Size in Blood
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	Unisex
Age-Group	All Ages
Normal Value	9 - 17 %
Reporting Time	1 - 2 hours
Cost	100 - 200* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

PDW Blood Test Means

• PDW stands for Platelet Distribution Width and it's a measure of the variation in platelet size in a person's blood.
• A PDW blood test is usually done as part of a complete blood count (CBC).
• The test involves taking a blood sample from a vein in the arm, which is then analyzed in a lab.
• PDW blood test results should always be interpreted in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and medical history.
• It's important to follow up with a healthcare provider to discuss the results of the PDW blood test and any necessary next steps.

Interesting Facts About Platelets

• Platelets are small, colorless cells in the blood involved in clotting.
• They are formed in the bone marrow from larger cells called megakaryocytes.
• Platelets help control bleeding by forming a plug at the site of blood vessel injury.
• They release chemical signals that attract other platelets and help in the formation of a stable clot.
• Abnormal platelet counts or function can lead to bleeding or clotting disorders.

 

PDW Blood Test Purpose

Here are some key points on the purpose of a PDW blood test:

• The purpose of the PDW test is to help identify platelet disorders, such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), thrombocytosis (high platelet count), and other bleeding or clotting disorders.
• PDW levels can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for platelet disorders or to track disease progression over time.
• The PDW test can also be used to assess a person's risk of bleeding or clotting, particularly in those with a history of cardiovascular disease or stroke.
• In some cases, a PDW blood test may be ordered as part of a pre-operative workup to assess a person's risk of bleeding during surgery.
• It's important to note that PDW levels can be affected by a variety of factors, and should always be interpreted in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and medical history.

 

 

PDW Blood Test Preparation

Here are the preparation steps for a PDW blood test:

 

Before the test

• Check with your doctor if there are any specific preparations you should take based on your individual health status.
• If fasting is necessary, follow the instructions provided by your doctor or lab. Typically, fasting for 8 to 12 hours before the test is required.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if fasting is required.

 

During the test

• The PDW blood test is a simple blood draw, and the procedure typically takes a few minutes.
• The healthcare provider will insert a needle into a vein in your arm to draw a blood sample.
• You may feel a slight pinch or discomfort when the needle is inserted.

 

After the test

• Apply pressure to the puncture site with a cotton ball or bandage to stop any bleeding.
• Keep the puncture site clean and dry.
• If you experience any pain, swelling, or bleeding at the puncture site, contact your healthcare provider.
• Wait for the lab results from your healthcare provider, who will interpret the test results and discuss any necessary next steps with you.

Summary

Prepare for a PDW blood test by following fasting instructions, staying hydrated, and applying pressure after the test to the puncture site.

 

PDW Blood Test Procedure

Here is basic procedure of PDW Blood Test.

• Check with your doctor for any specific preparations.
• If instructed, fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• During the test, a blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm.
• Apply pressure to the puncture site after the test.
• Keep the puncture site clean and dry.
• Wait for the lab results and follow up with your healthcare provider for interpretation and next steps.

 

PDW Blood Test Result

Here are some key points for interpreting PDW blood test results:

• The normal range for PDW is typically between 9.0% and 16.0%.
• A high PDW value may indicate that there is a greater variation in the size of platelets in the blood, which can be caused by a variety of conditions such as immune thrombocytopenia, bone marrow disorders, or liver disease.
• A low PDW value may indicate that there is less variation in the size of platelets in the blood, which can be caused by a variety of conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, or bone marrow disorders.
• PDW values should always be interpreted in the context of other blood test results, as well as a person's medical history and symptoms.
• Only a qualified healthcare provider can interpret PDW blood test results and provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

 

PDW Blood Test Report

PDW Blood Test Report PDF

 

PDW Blood Test Normal Report

PDW Blood Test Normal Report PDF

Normal PDW Blood Test Report

 

PDW Blood Test Abnormal Report

PDW Blood Test Abnormal Report PDF

Abnormal PDW Blood Test Report

 

PDW Blood Test Normal Range

here's a table showing the normal range of PDW values in percentage (%):

Age Group	Normal PDW Range
Adults	9.0% - 17.0%
Children	7.5% - 13.5%
Newborns	9.0% - 17.0%

 

It's worth noting that the normal range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory that performs the test. Additionally, the normal range may differ for certain populations, such as pregnant women or people with certain medical conditions.

 

PDW Blood Test Interpretation

PDW blood test results are typically reported as a percentage (%). Here's an example table showing how PDW values might be interpreted:

PDW Value	Interpretation
< 9.0%	Lower than normal range; may indicate iron or B12 deficiency, bone marrow disorders
9.0% - 17.0%	Normal range; indicates a normal variation in the size of platelets in the blood
> 17.0%	Higher than normal range; may indicate liver disease, bone marrow disorders, or immune thrombocytopenia

It's important to note that interpreting PDW values should always be done in the context of an individual's medical history and other blood test results.

 

Specimen Requirments For PDW Blood Test

Here are the specimen requirements for PDW Blood Test.

Specimen	Whole Blood
Volume	5-10 mL
Container	Sterile tube or vial with anticoagulant

 

PDW Blood Test High

Here are the possible causes of a High PDW (platelet distribution width) value.

Condition or factor	Description
Liver disease	Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, can cause an increase in PDW values.
Bone marrow disorders	Disorders that affect the bone marrow, such as myelodysplastic syndrome or leukemia, can cause changes in platelet size and distribution, resulting in high PDW values.
Immune thrombocytopenia	This is a condition where the immune system attacks and destroys platelets, leading to low platelet counts and high PDW values.
Vitamin B12 deficiency	Vitamin B12 is necessary for proper platelet formation, and a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to changes in platelet size and distribution.
Folate deficiency	Folate is another vitamin that is essential for platelet formation, and a deficiency can lead to changes in platelet size and distribution.
Iron deficiency anemia	Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which is a component of red blood cells. Anemia due to iron deficiency can affect platelet size and distribution, leading to high PDW values.

 

PDW Blood Test Low

Here are the possible causes of a low PDW (platelet distribution width) value.

Condition or factor	Description
Iron deficiency anemia	Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which is a component of red blood cells. Anemia due to iron deficiency can affect platelet size and distribution, leading to low PDW values.
Vitamin B12 deficiency	Vitamin B12 is necessary for proper platelet formation, and a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to changes in platelet size and distribution, resulting in low PDW values.
Folate deficiency	Folate is another vitamin that is essential for platelet formation, and a deficiency can lead to changes in platelet size and distribution, resulting in low PDW values.
Bone marrow disorders	Disorders that affect the bone marrow, such as aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome, can cause changes in platelet size and distribution, leading to low PDW values.
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy	These treatments can affect the bone marrow and interfere with platelet production, leading to changes in platelet size and distribution, resulting in low PDW values.
Viral infections	Some viral infections, such as HIV or hepatitis C, can affect platelet production and distribution, leading to low PDW values.

Summary

High PDW levels may indicate platelet activation or certain medical conditions, while low levels can be associated with decreased platelet production or other underlying health issues.

 

PDW Blood Test is Safe?

Yes, a PDW (platelet distribution width) blood test is generally considered safe. Here are some points to keep in mind:

• A PDW blood test is a routine blood test that involves taking a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm.
• The procedure is usually quick and relatively painless.
• There may be some mild discomfort or bruising at the site where the needle was inserted, but this typically goes away within a few hours to a few days.
• In rare cases, there may be more serious complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding, but these are extremely rare and are usually associated with underlying health conditions or other factors.
• As with any medical procedure, it's important to follow any preparation or post-test instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure accurate and reliable results.

 

When Do You Get PDW Blood Test Results?

• The PDW blood test results can vary depending on the laboratory that performs the test, as well as other factors such as the volume of tests being processed and the complexity of the analysis.
• In general, most routine blood tests, including a PDW blood test, can provide results within 1 - 2 hours to a day.
• Your healthcare provider will typically contact you with the results once they are available and may provide further instructions or recommendations based on the results.

 

PDW Blood Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the PDW Blood Test.

• Limited specificity for diagnosing specific conditions.
• Potential for variability in measurement across different laboratories.
• Not a standalone diagnostic test; should be used in conjunction with other parameters.
• Limited clinical significance in certain conditions.
• May be affected by certain medications and medical conditions.

 

PDW Blood Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the PDW Blood Test.

• Certain medical conditions can affect PDW levels.
• Age can influence PDW results.
• Medications or treatments may impact PDW values.
• Nutritional deficiencies can affect PDW levels.
• Chronic diseases or inflammatory conditions may affect PDW values.

 

Doctor Recommendations After PDW Blood Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after PDW Blood Test.

PDW Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Go
High	Hematologist	Evaluate platelet disorders or bone marrow conditions
Normal	Primary Care Physician	Routine follow-up or general health assessment
Low	Hematologist	Investigate potential bleeding or clotting disorders

 

PDW Blood Test Price

Here are the estimated PDW Blood Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	100 - 200
New Delhi	100 - 200
Bangalore	100 - 200
Hyderabad	100 - 200
Kolkata	100 - 150
Pune	100 - 150
Lucknow	100 - 200
Noida	100 - 200
Surat	100 - 150
Gurugram	100 - 150
Patna	100 - 200
Chennai	100 - 150
Jaipur	100 - 200
Ahmedabad	100 - 150

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall, PDW (platelet distribution width) blood test is a safe and simple procedure that can provide information about platelet size and distribution, which can be useful in diagnosing certain medical conditions. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• Platelet distribution width: a simple, practical, and specific marker of activation of coagulation - NIH [1].
• Platelet distribution width: a novel prognostic marker in an internal medicine ward - NIH [2].
• Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) - Lab Results explained [3].