RDW?

The RDW stands for Random Distribution of RBC Weight. It tells how consistent are the size of the red blood cells.

Page bottom for more blood cell counts ... definition

RDW is increased when someone has Hemolytic Anemia (I firmly believe that is the fatigue doctors are looking for in CFS, FM, CFIDS) Most of the bloodwork looks at least in normal range and doctors do not LOOK at the red blood cells. I have seen gulf war vets comment that their red blood cell count/s are in normal range, but they are small sized.

Random Distribution of Weight (RDW)

"The RDW stands for Random Distribution of RBC Weight. It tells how consistent are the size of the red blood cells. Newly made cells (reticulocytes) , B12 and folic acid deficient cells are larger than iron deficient cells. This is an electronic index that may help clarify if an anemia has multiple components. The high RDW helps determine if there is only a B12 and/or folic acid deficiency (with normal RDW showing the red cells are mostly the same size) or with concomitant iron deficiency (a high RDW due to small and large red blood cells)."

"Optimal Range: 13"

____________ _________ ________

The chemical exposure I suspect for this (Per research it causes hemolytic anemia) is 2-butoxyethanol