Complete Blood Count
RDW test cost — $3.20–$21.95
RDW · measured in %
Red-cell size variability — a top cheap mortality predictor.
Lower is betterReference range
An assay-specific reference interval has not yet been added to this guide.
Use the interval printed beside this exact result, including its specimen, units, age/sex group and collection conditions. A range for a similarly named test may not apply.
Optimal range / clinical target
PeptideLab has not verified a separate ‘optimal’ target for this measurement. Reference intervals, diagnostic cutoffs and treatment targets answer different questions.
Tests that include RDW
RDW is included in CBC w/ differential. GoodLabs and Ulta prices below cover that panel, not an individual biomarker. Test prices are shown before separate collection fees.
Tracking more than one biomarker?
Build a list to compare test and panel combinations, with one blood-draw fee in your GoodLabs estimate.
$12 blood draw per visit, added once to your order.
Collection fee is additional; not included in this test price.
Does insurance cover RDW testing?
When a clinician orders RDW for a diagnosis or to follow a known condition, most plans cover it — and many cover routine screening as $0 preventive care for eligible adults. The catch is you need a qualifying reason and an in-network order; a “I just want to see my number” request often isn’t covered, and if you haven’t met your deductible you can end up paying the lab’s full list price anyway.
The direct-pay prices above skip insurance entirely: you pay the cash price, test on your own schedule with no doctor visit, and it’s HSA/FSA-eligible. For a single marker that’s often cheaper — and faster — than a copay plus deductible exposure.
RDW inside a bundle
Every compared membership/panel that includes RDW, cheapest first. Worth it when you want several markers at once rather than a single test.
| Provider | Model | Advertised panel | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labcorp OnDemand | One-time à-la-carte | 47+ 36 biomarkers mapped | $169 comp. |
| Empirical Health | One-time panel | 100+ 46 biomarkers mapped | $190 one-time |
| Mito Health | At-cost marketplace + optional membership | 100+ 63 biomarkers mapped | Core Panel ~$198 |
| Superpower | Annual membership | 103+ 73 biomarkers mapped | $199/yr |
| Hundred | Annual membership | 160+ 74 biomarkers mapped | $199/yr |
| Function Health | Annual membership | 160+ 88 biomarkers mapped | $365/yr |
| Blueprint (Bryan Johnson) | Annual membership | 160+ 88 biomarkers mapped | $365/yr |
| Everlywell 360 | Annual membership | 83+ 35 biomarkers mapped | $399/yr |
| Quest Health (Elite) | One-time direct-pay | 85+ 49 biomarkers mapped | $399 one-time |
| HealthieOne | One-time test | 250+ 50 biomarkers mapped | $420/test + draw |
| Life Extension (Elite) | One-time à-la-carte | 45+ 49 biomarkers mapped | ~$449 one-time |
| InsideTracker | Membership + à-la-carte tests | 48+ 46 biomarkers mapped | $489 (1st test) |
| Marek Health | Annual membership | 80+ 55 biomarkers mapped | ~$495/yr |
| OneTwenty | Annual membership | 85+ 51 biomarkers mapped | $499/yr |
| Thorne Advanced | One-time panel | 60+ 51 biomarkers mapped | ~$830 one-time |
| Lifeforce | Subscription + diagnostic | 51+ 49 biomarkers mapped | ~$2,137/yr |
What RDW is
Red cell distribution width — a measure of variation in red-cell size (anisocytosis), elevated when the marrow releases mixed-size cells as in early nutrient deficiency or inflammation.
Why it matters for longevity & performance
One of the most powerful, cheap all-cause-mortality predictors in the CBC — elevated RDW forecasts cardiovascular disease, cancer, and death even within the 'normal' range.
RDW testing — frequently asked
Do I need to fast for a RDW test?
No. RDW does not require fasting — you can test any time of day.
Do I need a doctor's order to get a RDW test?
No. Direct-to-consumer labs (GoodLabs, Ulta, Quest and Labcorp OnDemand) include the physician order in the price — you order online and visit a draw site, no appointment with your own doctor needed.
How fast are RDW results?
Usually 1–3 business days after your blood draw; most results post to the lab's online portal.
What's the difference between the standard and optimal RDW range?
Reference intervals describe results in a reference population; they do not by themselves diagnose or exclude disease. A treatment target depends on the condition and the person. PeptideLab has not verified a separate ‘optimal’ target for this measurement. Reference intervals, diagnostic cutoffs and treatment targets answer different questions.
Does insurance cover RDW testing?
Often, when ordered for a diagnosis; many plans cover it as preventive care at no cost for eligible adults. The direct-pay prices above let you skip insurance and test on your own schedule.
Related Complete Blood Count biomarkers
Educational guidance. Use your reporting lab’s reference interval and discuss personal targets and results with your clinician.