Test Detail
Understanding the Test
Test Measures
References
Other Tests
Content created by
Written by
Dr. Shreya Gupta
BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Reviewed by
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

PDW

You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female

Understanding PDW


What is PDW?

The PDW or Platelet Distribution Width test measures the variation in platelet size, also called platelet anisocytosis, and is calculated from the distribution of individual platelet volumes. PDW reflects how uniform the platelets are in size and is often done as a part of a complete blood count (CBC) test.

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small blood cells that help the blood to clot if there is an injury and prevent excessive bleeding. If one of your blood vessels gets damaged, it sends a signal to platelets. Platelets then arrive at the injury site and form a plug (clot) to repair the damage. This is called platelet activation.

PDW is a simple platelet index, which increases during platelet activation. PDW is a more specific marker of platelet activation since it does not increase during simple platelet swelling. The PDW test, which is usually done along with some additional tests as a part of CBC, can help your doctor investigate multiple conditions, including thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and thrombocytosis (high platelet count). Your doctor may suggest the PDW test if you experience excessive bleeding or bruising or if you have conditions that can affect your platelet count, such as iron deficiency anemia.

Fasting is unnecessary before getting the PDW test, and you may eat or drink as per your daily routine. However, you should inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines as they may affect your test results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate an overall treatment plan.

What is PDW used for?

The PDW test is done: 

  • As part of a complete blood count test to monitor your overall health.
  • In case of signs and symptoms of bleeding disorders, such as easy bruising and prolonged bleeding.
  • To detect and monitor clotting disorders.
  • To detect or monitor diseases affecting platelets, such as dengue or inflammatory diseases.
  • Before surgery if you have a personal or family history of bleeding disorders.

 

What does PDW measure?

The PDW test reflects variability in platelet size, and is considered a marker of platelet function and activation (clot formation in case of an injury). This marker can give you additional information about your platelets and the cause of a high or low platelet count. Larger platelets are usually younger platelets that have been recently released from the bone marrow, while smaller platelets may be older and have been in circulation for a few days. Higher PDW values reflect a larger range of platelet size, which may result from increased activation, destruction and consumption of platelets.

INDIA’S LARGEST HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

260m+
Visitors
31m+
Orders Delivered
1800+
Cities
Get the link to download App
Reliable

All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies. All labs listed on the platform are accredited

Secure

Tata 1mg uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant

Affordable

Find affordable medicine substitutes, save up to 50% on health products, up to 80% off on lab tests and free doctor consultations.

Know more about Tata 1mgdownArrow

Access medical and health information

Tata 1mg provides you with medical information which is curated, written and verified by experts, accurate and trustworthy. Our experts create high-quality content about medicines, diseases, lab investigations, Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products, Ayurvedic herbs/ingredients, and alternative remedies.

Order medicines online

Get free medicine home delivery in over 1800 cities across India. You can also order Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and other Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products. Your safety is our top priority. All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies.

Book lab tests

Book any lab tests and preventive health packages from certified labs and get tested from the comfort of your home. Enjoy free home sample collection, view reports online and consult a doctor online for free.

Consult a doctor online

Got a health query? Consult doctors online from the comfort of your home for free. Chat privately with our registered medical specialists to connect directly with verified doctors. Your privacy is guaranteed.