PDW
Platelet distribution width (PDW) measures how varied the size of platelets is in a blood sample. A higher PDW means the platelets in circulation differ more in size from one another; a lower PDW means they are more uniform.
Why it matters: PDW often rises when the body is producing new platelets quickly (after blood loss, infection, or inflammation), because freshly made platelets tend to be larger than older ones in circulation.
May increase with:
May decrease with:
What is PDW?
Platelet distribution width (PDW) measures how varied the size of platelets is in a blood sample. A higher PDW means the platelets in circulation differ more in size from one another; a lower PDW means they are more uniform.
What might a high or low PDW mean?
PDW often rises when the body is producing new platelets quickly (after blood loss, infection, or inflammation), because freshly made platelets tend to be larger than older ones in circulation.
What is the typical reference range for PDW?
The general-population reference range shown here is 9 – 17 fL. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.
What can affect PDW?
It may be higher with: Platelet activation, Immune thrombocytopenia, Sepsis. It may be lower with: Bone marrow disorders.