Clinical Laboratory Hematology 3rd Edition by Shirlyn McKenzie, Lynne Williams

Exercise 21

George, a 50-year-old male, visited his doctor when he noted that the whites of his eyes appeared yellow and that he had dark urine. His CBC revealed a hemoglobin of 31 g/L (3.1 g/dL).
Given this clinical description, consider what laboratory tests should be ordered to assist in diagnosis.
George's only complaint was dark urine and the yellow color of his eyes. His CBC results were hemoglobin 31 g/L (3.1 g/dL), hematocrit 0.08 L/L (8%), RBC count
RDW 21.6, reticulocyte count 22%. Calculate the erythrocyte indices.
Does this information suggest acute or chronic blood loss? What is the significance of the RDW?