The term "CV cell", as described in the context of the provided reference, refers to the coefficient of variation (CV) within a specific blood test calculation called RDW-CV (Red Cell Distribution Width - Coefficient of Variation). The RDW-CV measures the variation in the size of red blood cells and is calculated as a percentage.
Understanding RDW-CV
The RDW-CV provides insight into how much the size of red blood cells varies within a sample. It is derived using the following method:
- Standard Deviation of Cell Size: This determines how much the individual red blood cell sizes deviate from the average size.
- Mean Cell Volume (MCV): This is the average size of red blood cells.
- Calculation: The standard deviation of the cell size is divided by the MCV, and then multiplied by 100 to express the result as a percentage.
Formula
The RDW-CV is calculated as follows:
RDW-CV = (Standard Deviation of Red Cell Size / MCV) * 100Normal Range
A typical range for the RDW-CV is between 11.0% and 15.0%.
Implications of the RDW-CV
Variations in the RDW-CV can indicate different conditions and health states:
- Elevated RDW-CV: A higher RDW-CV means that the variation in red blood cell sizes is greater than normal. This can be seen in some types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia, as well as in other conditions.
- Normal RDW-CV: A normal range suggests that red blood cells are relatively uniform in size.
- Low RDW-CV: While a low RDW-CV is not very common, it can suggest some rare conditions where the variation in cell size is minimal.
Key Takeaways
- The RDW-CV is a calculation to measure the variation in red blood cell size and is not referring to an actual cell type.
- It utilizes the standard deviation of the mean cell size and the MCV of red cells.
- The result is expressed as a percentage.
- It is used primarily as a diagnostic aid in assessing red blood cell abnormalities.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Deviation of Cell Size | Indicates how much individual red blood cell sizes vary from the average. |
| Mean Cell Volume (MCV) | The average size of red blood cells. |
| RDW-CV | A percentage calculated from the cell size standard deviation and MCV, representing the red cell size variation. |
| Normal Range | Approximately 11.0 - 15.0%. |
