The product of RDW times HDW can be used with automated red cell analyzers to help identify patients who may have thalassemia.
product of RDW and HDW =
= (RDW) * (HDW)
where:
• RDW is the red cell distribution width
• HDW
Interpretation:
• iron deficiency: formula > 530
• thalassemia minor: formula < 530
Note: I assume that HDW is in g/L. If g/dL (as from the Technicon) are used, the discriminant value becomes 53.
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,
