Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is comprised of several individual blood tests that are used to evaluate your overall health. The basic components include a red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets, as well as various others (See individual tests for further information). Your primary care physician may order this test at a routine visit since it aids in the diagnosis of various disorders including anemia, infections and even some cancers. Your doctor may also order this test if you present with symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, fever, or easy bruising/bleeding. The results are not definitive, so any abnormal results usually warrant further testing to reach a diagnosis.
Resources: Lab Tests Online: Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)