Question 1

what does low mcv and high rdw means?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency.: These findings on a CBC usually mean iron deficiency.  There are other causes of low MCV including thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia & lead poisoning.  These are rare conditions.  Iron def. Is common, and usually means blood loss.

Question 2

what could cause low mcv and high rdw but normal mch, hemoglobin, and hematocrit for over a year?

Accepted Answer

How low?: Reference ranges are set so that several percent of healthy folks fall outside on either end. If your peripheral smear is unremarkable and the MCV above 70, I'd forget the whole thing. My RDW is always high from donating blood. There are some variants of thalassemia minor that will produce this and puzzle people over a lifetime, though MCH is usually lowish.

Question 3

my 5 year old has hgb 11.7,hct 34.3,mcv 70.9 ( low) mch 24.2,mchc 34.1,rdw 16.6 ( high),plt 340, # lymp 3.6 ( low),% lymp 53%,rbc 4.8.he is a normal active kid.can anyone explain the low mcv and high rdw,# lymp? he is a picky eater ,doesnt eat much?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency : The combination of low MCV, increased red cell RDW and platelet elevation point to a moderate iron Deficiency, can check iron stores with more blood tests, but a daily vitamin with iron or more green leafy veggies in the diet like spinach will help with this,

Question 4

have low wbc 2.2 and low rbc. high mcv and rdw.  ua rbc 1+ and wbc 3+ and protein h, i don not have a bladder infection.  does this indicate anything?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal labs: Well there's probably more than one process going on here. First of all, your WBCs are low - which could indicate there's an immunity problem. Secondly, it appears some of your red blood cell indices are off - there should be an explanation for that. Then, your urine has 'sediment' in it, which may relate to the primary problem your blood work is indicating. Best to see a doc in consultation.

Question 5

i have rbc mchc and mcv low and high rbc rdw. what doed that mean?

Accepted Answer

More info needed: high rbc and low mcv maybe normal for you and may represent thalassemia trait which is genetic.

Question 6

3 of 4 of my children have low hemoglobin, hematocrit, mcv, mcvh....high rdw.   i believe that affect their education performance and behavior.

Accepted Answer

See doctor ASAP: Based on what you've reported, they may be iron deficient.  Please discuss this with their doctor, as this can have significant impact on their physical and mental health.  If their doctor diagnoses iron deficiency, he or she will tell you the appropriate dose based on their weights.  If it's not iron deficiency, the treatment would be different.

Question 7

bloods showed high mch, high mcv, low rdw and high bilirubin. liver test/scan came back fine, what else could it be??

Accepted Answer

Else what?: All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Having said that, the first thing to rule out would be B12/Folate deficiency. What is your hemoglobin level and what are the actual values of the results?

Question 8

i am experiencing  dizziness (better by: with fluids) (worsened by: changing head position) . the following also describes me: lightheadedness. normal wbc high platelets, high rbc, low mcv, low mch and high rdw?

Accepted Answer

Need to examine: It is not feasible to provide a meaningful opinion without taking additional history, physical examination and may be some tests. It would be prudent to see your doctor. However, what you described suggests lack adequate water intake. Drink enough water daily so that your urine is mostly colorless.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

Question 9

blood test: i have a low mcv, low mch and high rdw. i have euthyrodism- t3, (liothyronine) t4 & s-tsh fine bt my shbg is high at 198.5 what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency : it appears that you have iron deficiency anemia which needs to be treated with iron supplementation.  I would repeat the thyroid studies in a couple of weeks

Question 10

anemia found on blood test. low hemoglobin, hematocrit, mcv, mch, high rdw. have had heavy periods for a few years but why would it just show up now?

Accepted Answer

It takes time to exh: We all carry extra reserves of blood and iron stores in our body which can make up for moderate blood losses for a long time. Only when the reserve is exhausted and there is no more iron left in the body will your blood tests start showing up Anemia.
You need to ask your doctor for providing you the raw materials(like Iron supplements) to help you make extra blood.

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Doctor answers about:

Low mcv high rdw

A member asked:

What does low mcv and high rdw means?

A member asked:

What could cause low mcv and high rdw but normal mch, hemoglobin, and hematocrit for over a year?

A member asked:

My 5 year old has hgb 11.7,hct 34.3,mcv 70.9 ( low) mch 24.2,mchc 34.1,rdw 16.6 ( high),plt 340, # lymp 3.6 ( low),% lymp 53%,rbc 4.8.he is a normal active kid.can anyone explain the low mcv and high rdw,# lymp? he is a picky eater ,doesnt eat much?

A member asked:

Have low wbc 2.2 and low rbc. high mcv and rdw. ua rbc 1+ and wbc 3+ and protein h, i don not have a bladder infection. does this indicate anything?

A member asked:

I have rbc mchc and mcv low and high rbc rdw. what doed that mean?

A member asked:

3 of 4 of my children have low hemoglobin, hematocrit, mcv, mcvh....high rdw. i believe that affect their education performance and behavior.

A member asked:

Bloods showed high mch, high mcv, low rdw and high bilirubin. liver test/scan came back fine, what else could it be??

A member asked:

I am experiencing dizziness (better by: with fluids) (worsened by: changing head position) . the following also describes me: lightheadedness. normal wbc high platelets, high rbc, low mcv, low mch and high rdw?

A member asked:

Blood test: i have a low mcv, low mch and high rdw. i have euthyrodism- t3, (liothyronine) t4 & s-tsh fine bt my shbg is high at 198.5 what does it mean?

A member asked:

Anemia found on blood test. low hemoglobin, hematocrit, mcv, mch, high rdw. have had heavy periods for a few years but why would it just show up now?

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