Page 112 - Clinical Hematology Atlas

96 SECTION THREE ERYTHROCYTES

VARIATION IN COLOR OF ERYTHROCYTES

A B
FIGURE 10–3A Hypochromia. The central pallor FIGURE 10–3B Dichromic population of
zone of the erythrocyte must be greater than one- erythrocytes. (Two populations of RBCs are
third of the diameter of the cell before it is classified shown: one normochromic and one hypochromic.)
as hypochromic. (Note: the MCHC, not the MCH,
should be used as a gauge of hypochromia; however,
the MCHC is not always decreased when few Associated with: Transfusions, sideroblastic anemia.
hypochromic cells are seen.)

Associated with: Iron deficiency anemia, thalassemias,
sideroblastic anemia, lead poisoning, some cases of
anemia of chronic inflammation.

C D
FIGURE 10–3C Polychromasia; retained RNA in FIGURE 10–3D Normochromic erythrocytes.
RBCs. (MCHC 32-36 g/dL or 32%-36%.) For comparison
with hypochromic and polychromatic erythrocytes.
Associated with: Acute and chronic hemorrhage,
hemolysis, effective treatment for anemia, neonates.