In which type of anemia are red blood cells smaller than normal and have decreased color?

Prepare for the AAB Medical Technologist (MT) Generalist Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Get exam-ready now!

The type of anemia characterized by smaller than normal red blood cells, which also display decreased color (hypochromia), is indeed microcytic hypochromic anemia. This condition is typically associated with a deficiency of iron, leading to impaired hemoglobin production. As a result, the red blood cells do not grow to their normal size and contain less hemoglobin, making them appear smaller and paler when viewed under a microscope.

In this form of anemia, the production of red blood cells is affected in such a way that they fail to achieve the appropriate size (mean corpuscular volume, or MCV) and hemoglobin concentration (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, or MCHC) necessary for normal function. This is commonly seen in various conditions, such as iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia.

Importantly, the other types of anemia mentioned differ in their characteristics. For instance, normocytic anemia involves red blood cells that are normal in size but may be decreased in number, while macrocytic anemia is associated with larger-than-normal red blood cells, often due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Pernicious anemia is a specific type of macrocytic anemia caused by the inability to absorb vitamin B12. These

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