My RDW coefficient of Variation is 14.1 (high). What does this indicate? Do i need treatment for this ?

Answer 1

The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is an index of the variation in cell volume within the red blood cell population. Coefficient of variation (CV) or RDW-CV, is identified from standard deviation of the RDW-SD and the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) number. 

Mathematically, 

RDW (%) = (Standard deviation ÷ mean) cell volume x 100

Normal range for RDW-CV is 10.2 - 14.5%. 

Your value is 14.1%, it's fine, although test results may vary slightly among labs.  

Comments

My RDWCV is 15.6H which I now know is high. What's the treatment if any.

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For adults, the normal range for RDW-CV is 11.6-14.6%. RDW-CV is determined by two parameters: RDW-SD (standard deviation) and MCV (mean corpuscular volume).

If you have normal RDW, low MCV, anemia may be indicated.

If you have elevated RDW, low MCV, sickle cell anemia and iron deficiencies may be indicated.

If you have normal RDW, high MCV, aplastic anemia or chronic liver disease may be indicated.

If you have elevated RDW, high MCV, immune hemolytic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, vitamin B12 deficiency may be indicated.

If you have elevated RDW, normal MCV, myelodysplastic syndrome, vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic liver disease, dimorphic anemia may be indicated.

If you have normal RDW, normal MCV, occasionally, it may also indicate a health problem. Diseases with these results include anemia caused by chronic disease and by renal disease.

Answer 2

RDW-CV being higher means you may have a proportion of abnormally large or abnormally small red blood cells.

A combination of High RDW-CV & normal MCV usually indicates iron deficiency anemia at its early stage.

However, 14.1% is a normal value. You can confirm with your lab.

Answer 3

If your RBC count and Hemoglobin concentration is Ok. No need to worry.