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Platelets Distribution Width (PDW) - description and reference ranges

What is it?

Platelets Distribution Width (PDW). This is a measure of volume variability in platelets size, expressed as volume fL. PDW can contribute to the characterisation of immune thrombocytopenia and inherited giant platelets disorder.

Reference ranges

If your indicative PDW count is lower than the reference range for our laboratory:

This biomarker low value might be helpful to your GP for diagnostics and if other tests are required.

If your indicative PDW count is higher than the reference range for our laboratory:

A high PDW means there is a great difference in sizes of different platelet cells, which may be associated with disease of blood vessels or certain cancers.

We would suggest speaking to your GP about the need for further tests.

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