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What is Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) in Blood Test? What is High and Low Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Level? Causes & Treatment?

Updated: Jun 17, 2024

  • Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) in a blood test is a test that measures how similar the sizes of platelets are.

  • The PDW test only shows size change. It does not provide information about whether platelets are smaller or larger than normal. Another test called MPV is used for this.

  • Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small blood cells that are essential for blood clotting. Clotting is the process that helps you stop bleeding after an injury. In addition, platelets produced in the bone marrow play a role in repairing vascular damage and healing wounds.

  • Newly produced platelets are larger and within about 10 days they gradually shrink and are removed from the circulation. If there is a disruption in this cycle, abnormal amounts of large and small platelets may be found in the circulation. This situation is revealed by the PDW test.

Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) in a blood test is a test that measures how similar the sizes of platelets are. The PDW test only shows size change. It does not provide information about whether platelets are smaller or larger than normal. Another test called MPV is used for this. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small blood cells that are essential for blood clotting. Clotting is the process that helps you stop bleeding after an injury. In addition, platelets produced in the bone marrow play a role in repairing vascular damage and healing wounds. Newly produced platelets are larger and within about 10 days they gradually shrink and are removed from the circulation. If there is a disruption in this cycle, abnormal amounts of large and small platelets may be found in the circulation. This situation is revealed by the PDW test. A normal Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) is %25-65 or 9 to 14 fL (femtoliters). High Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) in the blood test is PDW value higher than %25-65 or 14 fL (femtoliters). If the PDW value is high, it means that the difference between platelet sizes increases. This indicates that both newly produced young platelets and previously produced old platelets are abundant at the same time. This situation makes us think about the existence of various diseases that will cause the bone marrow to work excessively and continuously. In a blood test, low Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) is a value below 25-65% or 9 fL (femtolitres). Low PDW may give an idea that platelet production in the bone marrow is decreasing, and it may also give an idea that the size difference between platelets is minimal. Additionally, in cases where platelets are removed from the body before they mature, mostly young platelets may remain in the blood. As a result, the PDW value decreases. Some diseases may manifest themselves only with an abnormal PDW result, even though other platelet tests are normal.
What is Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) in Blood Test? What is High and Low Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Level? Causes & Treatment?

What is A Normal Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Level in Blood Test ?

A normal Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) is %25-65 or 9 to 14 fL (femtoliters). Normal value ranges may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. It is necessary to take into account the reference values of the laboratory where the test was performed.


What is High Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Level in Blood Test?

  • High Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) in the blood test is PDW value higher than %25-65 or 14 fL (femtoliters).

  • If the PDW value is high, it means that the difference between platelet sizes increases. This indicates that both newly produced young platelets and previously produced old platelets are abundant at the same time. This situation makes us think about the existence of various diseases that will cause the bone marrow to work excessively and continuously.


What Causes High Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Level in Blood Test?

Possible causes of high PDW include:

  • Some bone marrow diseases

  • Inflammation

  • Hematological Disorders

  • Malnutrition

  • Bleeding disorders

  • Some medications

  • Some autoimmune diseases

  • Viral or bacterial infections

  • Anemia

  • Diabetes

  • Cancer

  • Cardiovascular diseases

  • Pulmonary Embolism

  • Respiratory diseases

High Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Symptoms

Possible symptoms that may occur with high PDW include:

  • Bruising for no reason

  • Nose bleeding

  • Bleeding gums

  • Increased menstrual bleeding

  • Fatigue

  • Dizziness

  • Fever

  • Headache


How to Treat High Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Level?

Treatment of high PDW depends on the underlying cause. Health professionals may request different blood tests and further examinations for this.

  • Infections: Depending on the type of infection, antibiotics, antivirals, or parasite medications may be prescribed.

  • Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, can be used to manage inflammatory diseases.

  • Cancers: Depending on the type and stage of cancer, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies may be used.

  • Blood Cell Problems: Blood transfusions may be necessary in cases of high PDW as well as low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).

  • Surgery: Rarely, surgery may be an option for severe bleeding or an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) due to the underlying cause.

If your PDW is high, it is very important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.


What is Low Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Level in Blood Test?

  • In a blood test, low Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) is a value below 25-65% or 9 fL (femtolitres).

  • Low PDW may give an idea that platelet production in the bone marrow is decreasing, and it may also give an idea that the size difference between platelets is minimal. Additionally, in cases where platelets are removed from the body before they mature, mostly young platelets may remain in the blood. As a result, the PDW value decreases.

  • Some diseases may manifest themselves only with an abnormal PDW result, even though other platelet tests are normal.


What Causes Low Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Level in Blood Test?

Possible causes of low PDW include:

  • Leukemia

  • Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

  • Aplastic Anemia

  • Bleeding Disorders

  • Infections

  • Heavy alcohol consumption

  • Some liver diseases

  • Some drugs


Low Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Symptoms

Symptoms of low PDW depend on the underlying cause. If there is a bleeding disorder due to platelet production, symptoms such as unexplained bruising, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums may occur. Fever may occur with low PDW due to infection.


How to Treat Low Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Level?

Treatment of low PDW depends on the underlying cause. Health professionals may request different blood tests and further examinations for this. Staying away from alcohol and cigarettes, paying attention to nutrition, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help treatment.

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