Clinical and Interpretive

RBCs, WBCs, and platelets are produced in the bone marrow and released into the peripheral blood.

The primary function of the RBCs is to deliver oxygen to tissues.

WBCs are key components of the immune system.

Platelets play a vital role in blood clotting.

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measure of the size of the average RBC.

Anemias are characterized as microcytic (MCV <80), macrocytic
(MCV >100), or normocytic.

The red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of the degree of variation in RBC
size (anisocytosis). RDW may be helpful in distinguishing between some anemias. For example, iron
deficiency anemia is characterized by a high RDW, while thalassemia is characterized by a low
RDW.

Results outside of normal value ranges may reflect a primary disorder of the cell-producing organs
or an underlying disease.

Results should be interpreted in conjunction with the patient’s clinical picture and appropriate additional testing performed.