Three neglected numbers in the CBC: The RDW, MPV, and NRBC count

Jori E May; Marisa B Marques; Vishnu V B Reddy; Radhika Gangaraju

doi:10.3949/ccjm.86a.18072

Three neglected numbers in the CBC: The RDW, MPV, and NRBC count

Cleve Clin J Med. 2019 Mar;86(3):167-172. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.86a.18072.

Authors

Jori E May¹, Marisa B Marques², Vishnu V B Reddy², Radhika Gangaraju³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA. jemay@uabmc.edu.
² Department of Pathology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA.
³ Department of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA.

PMID: 30849034
DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.86a.18072

Abstract

The complete blood cell count (CBC) is one of the most frequently ordered laboratory tests, but some values included in the test may be overlooked. This brief review discusses 3 potentially underutilized components of the CBC: the red blood cell distribution width (RDW), the mean platelet volume (MPV), and the nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) count. These results have unique diagnostic applications and prognostic implications that can be incorporated into clinical practice. By understanding all components of the CBC, providers can learn more about the patient's condition.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Blood Cell Count / methods*
Diagnosis, Differential
Diagnostic Errors / prevention & control
Erythroblasts*
Erythrocyte Indices*
Humans
Mean Platelet Volume*
Prognosis