The platelet parameter PDW refers to the

The platelet parameter PDW refers to the

• A. Average platelet volume
• B. Cell weight versus density
• C. Capacity to adhere to foreign surfaces
• D. Variation in platelet cell size

Answer: (D)

The main concept here is that PDW measures how much the sizes of platelets vary. It reflects the distribution of platelet sizes in the blood, so a high PDW means there’s a wide range of platelet sizes (some large, some small), while a low PDW indicates more uniform platelet sizes. This is different from the average platelet size, which is MPV. The other options describe the average size, a concept like weight or density, and a platelet function property (adhesion), none of which describe what PDW evaluates.

The main concept here is that PDW measures how much the sizes of platelets vary. It reflects the distribution of platelet sizes in the blood, so a high PDW means there’s a wide range of platelet sizes (some large, some small), while a low PDW indicates more uniform platelet sizes. This is different from the average platelet size, which is MPV. The other options describe the average size, a concept like weight or density, and a platelet function property (adhesion), none of which describe what PDW evaluates.