Red blood cell distribution width Red blood cell distribution width Red blood cell distribution width (RDW or RDW-CV or RCDW and RDW-SD) is a measure of the range of variation of red blood cell (RBC) volume that is reported as part of a standard complete blood count. Usually red blood cells are a standard size of about 6-8 μm in diameter. Certain disorders, however, cause a significant variation in cell size. Higher RDW values indicate greater variation in size. Normal reference range of RDW-CV in human red blood cells is 11.5-14.5%. If anemia is observed, RDW test results are often used together with mean corpuscular
Neonatal red cell transfusion baby (e.g. wristband). Paedipacks are multiple aliquots made from one adult blood donation. By using paedipacks, the baby is exposed to blood from fewer blood donors. ABO blood grouping and screening for antibodies in neonates differs from blood grouping in adults and older children. Any antibodies detected are the mother's antibodies rather than the baby's. Therefore, any donor blood given to the baby must be ABO and D compatible with both mother and baby; and antigen-negative for any clinically significant maternal antibodies. Necrotising enterocolitis may occur after a red cell transfusion in neonates, although there is an association between the