PDW Blood Test: Understanding Its Purpose and Results
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: May 3, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: May 3, 2024Table of Contents
The PDW blood test is a medical test that checks for size differences in blood platelets. The main function of platelets includes clotting and ensuring smooth blood flow in the body.
In this article, we will cover the basics of a PDW blood test. We’ll discuss about why it’s done, how it’s done, and what the results mean. We will also touch on the connection between PDW, and blood disorders tied to platelets. Lastly, we’ll share ways to get ready for a doctor’s visit for a PDW test.
Did you know?
The role of a PDW (platelet distribution width) blood test is to assess how well a person’s platelets are working whose main function is to create clots and aid in wound repair and stop blood loss.
PDW test measures the size differences in platelets in a person’s blood. High PDW means that there is a range of platelet sizes, and low PDW suggests more similar sized platelets. Knowing these variations helps doctors understand how a person’s platelets are functioning.
The purpose of doing a PDW blood test is as follows.
Examining how well platelets work helps decide if a person can form blood clots and maintain smooth blood flow. Abnormal platelet activity can hint at health problems that might need further investigation and management.
A PDW blood test is useful for spotting blood disorders. For example, it sheds light on platelet distribution and activity. This means we may spot issues such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) or thrombocytosis (high platelet count).
A PDW blood test needs a blood sample from a vein in your arm or hand. Below we have described how to get ready for the test and what happens during the process.
Typically, there are no unique preparations needed for a PDW blood test. But, if you’re also doing other tests on the same day, your healthcare provider may suggest some things. Always let your provider know about any drugs, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products you’re taking. This avoids unexpected impact on test results.
During the test, a medic places a small needle into a vein in your arm or hand to take blood. Once they get the sample, it’s sent to a laboratory for study. Though the test is quick and mostly painless, some people might feel dizzy or sick. Deep, slow breaths help lessen these feelings. Also, some people may feel slight pain or see bruises where the needle went in.
Normal PDW levels fall between 8 to 12 femtoliters. This indicates that your platelets are at peak performance and no medical action is needed.
Low PDW levels (below 8 femtoliters) could mean a majority of your platelets are old or your bone marrow could be making fewer platelets than usual.
Low PDW could be due to bone marrow failure, lupus, some medications such as chemotherapeutic agents, hypothyroidism, lack of iron, or HIV/AIDS.
With a low PDW level, your blood may have trouble clotting. The risk of heavy bleeding is higher. You might then need more tests to know the cause and work out a management plan with your doctor.
High PDW levels (above 12 femtoliters) show higher levels of young platelets in the blood.
Elevated PDW levels could be due to a recent wound or surgery, blood loss, or too much alcohol/vitamin B12 deficiency. Chronic health problems, infections, or even birth control pills use may also affect PDW levels.
High PDW levels are linked to an increased risk of forming blood clots. Clots in the arms or legs can be risky if they break loose and travel to other body parts clogging the blood supply to those parts.
Researchers have found that in pregnancy, simple platelet indicators, such as MPV and PDW, rise in response to platelet activation. Given that PDW might not rise during a simple tissue injury, it is a more precise indicator of platelet activation.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D
With PDW blood tests, doctors can check for blood disorders tied to platelets. Two common types include thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and essential thrombocythaemia (high platelet count).
Thrombocytopenia means you have too few platelets in your blood, which raises the risk of bleeding and bruising. Likely causes include problems with the immune system, some medications, and inherited diseases. Doctors can diagnose it through blood tests, physical exams, and after looking at your medical history.
In essential thrombocythaemia, the bone marrow makes too many platelets. This over-production could be due to gene changes or conditions like cancer. With too many platelets, your risk of forming blood clots increases. This could lead to serious issues like strokes or heart attacks.
After finding a blood disorder through PDW blood tests or other ways, it’s time to look at management choices. These help control symptoms and avoid likely issues.
Diagnosing blood disorders often involves several steps. It starts with looking at your medical past, physical examination findings, and laboratory test results that matter. Depending on the suspected disease, you may need more blood or imaging tests.
A typical way to diagnose blood disorders might include the following steps.
Doctors may recommend extra blood tests. These tests could be coagulation tests, complete blood count (CBC), or specialized tests like peripheral blood smear or quantitative immunoglobulins.
The type of blood disorder, how severe it is, and its causes shape the management choices. Possible options could include the ones below.
A doctor may give drugs to boost platelet count, suppress the immune system, or improve overall platelet work.
People with very low platelets or a high risk of bleeding might need blood or platelet transfusions. These replace lost platelets and bring clotting back to normal.
In some cases, changing your lifestyle or home remedies may help improve overall blood health. Such changes could include eating a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals, doing physical activities, or avoiding some drugs known to affect platelet function.
A recent study indicated that patients with heart failure had a poorer prognosis when their platelet distribution width (PDW) was high.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Platelet disorders may bring forth different complications. These depend on the person and the exact disorder.
As described above the first concern with platelet issues is the high chance of uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhages) or risky blood clots forming. These problems can be life-threatening and may need urgent help.
The main function of the spleen is to filter out unwanted substances from the blood and help fight disease. Some diseases or medical issues can make the spleen grow larger, which can reduce platelet circulation. It may also raise the risk of other health issues.
If your PDW blood test results are not normal, or you have symptoms that hint at a bleeding or clotting issue, it’s vital to book an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Here’s what to take to your doctor’s visit.
Try to ask these questions during your visit.
Also Read: How To Increase Platelet Count Naturally
Knowing why PDW blood tests are done and what their results mean provides information on how a person’s platelets are working and the overall health of their blood. Noticing abnormal PDW levels is the key to finding possible blood disorders, and their managing options.
PDW test results can be affected by some drugs, temporary health issues, and age. Also, factors like low or high altitude, smoking, and high glucose levels can change PDW test results.
PDW checks for size differences in platelets, while MPV tells the average platelet size in a blood sample. While both give vital information on how platelets are working, they show different sides of blood health.
High or low PDW levels alone may not mean much. But if these levels are not normal over time, or you have other symptoms, they could hint at a basic health issue that needs more tests and potential therapy. Talk to a healthcare provider if your PDW test results or symptoms tied to a platelet-related disorder worry you.
Eating a balanced diet full of vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammation items may boost overall blood health. Regular physical activities, reducing or stopping alcohol, and tobacco use may also help make blood cells healthier.
Key risks tied to PDW blood tests include slight pain or bruises at the needle site, and brief feelings of dizziness or sickness in some people. But, these risks are few and don’t last long.
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