As well these patients can then be provided appropriate genetic counselling. Hemoglobin, Hematocrit are decreased. The RBC count is not as low as the hemoglobin and hematocrit, in fact it is usually normal. This is due to the fact that the marrow can still produce the cells but cannot fill them with hemoglobin. Hence the Hgb is low and the empty cells occupy less space thus lowering the Hct relative to the erythrocyte count.
Morphology is microcytic and hypochromic.
Anisocytosis is only slight and not near as marked as in iron deficiency. This is reflected in a near normal RDW and red cell histogram which is shifted to the left but of near normal dimensions. There is slight poik with an occasional target cell. A moderate basophilic stippling is common. Indecies show a characteristic discordance.