Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) Test Cost & Procedure

This test is exclusively used for the estimation of the platelet distribution width. This analyzes the differentiability in the platelet diagnosis, parameter and size.

Why is this test done?

This test tells about the investigation of plateletcrit and anisocytosis. This is often used for locating the difference in the relative thrombocytosis and thrombocythemia.

If there is elevated PDW, it indicates a high variation in the size of platelets which is an ultimate sign of blood vessel disorders.

Anisocytosis:

It is a condition in which the size of the red blood cells is highly uneven. It's usually seen in cases of anemia and cancer.

Plateletcrit:

It is the estimation of total platelet size.

Platelets:

They are commonly known as thrombocytes.

They are the tiny part of your blood that helps in the hemostasis. They make a group and form a clot to prevent further bleeding at the site where the tissue is injured. They are the lightest component of the blood.

Function:

• Prevents bleeding
• Forms a clot
• Prevent excessive leakage of blood

Location of Platelets:

They are present at two locations in the body:

• Blood
• Spleen

Blood contains plasma, white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. The reason that they reach the injury site is their light weight. They are lightweight, so they are the fastest to reach the injury.

Structure of Platelets:

They are tiny, pale parts of cells. As the name suggests, they're plate-shaped.

Common symptoms are seen in any disorder of platelet:

• Heavy periods
• Internal bleeding
• Bruising
• Bleeding gums
• Blood in urine
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness:

Causes of low platelet count:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Alcoholic patients
• Kidney infection
• Chemicals
• Bone marrow diseases
• Cancer
• Viral Infections
• Enlarged spleen
• Bacterial infections

What happens if they decrease in number?

• Internal bleeding
• Hemorrhaging
• Excessive blood loss

What happens if they increase in number?

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• High blood pressure

Procedure:

• A blood sample is needed.
• The needle is pricked into the arm.
• Blood is withdrawn.
• The sample is sent for examination.