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What does 'hypochromic and microcytic RBC' mean?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 50-year-old female. My reports read 'RBC are hypochromic and microcytic with few ovalocytes seen. WBC and platelets appear quantitatively adequate in the film. No early cells are seen.' No cholesterol, normal blood pressure, not diabetic, a fibroid but gynecologist said there is no need to operate it since I will go into menopause. What does this mean? Any danger? Is it cancerous?

Answered by Dr. Singh Smrita

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Singh Smrita is a General Practitioner and a Family Physician specializing in Pathology and Hematology. She has expertise in diagnosing and managing blood disorders, anemia, infections, and immune-related conditions. She is skilled in laboratory diagnostics, interpretation of blood tests, and personalized treatment plans. Dr. Singh also focuses on preventive care, patient education, and holistic management of chronic diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The presence of microcytic hypochromic red cells is indicative of iron deficiency anemia. Apart from this finding, the other findings are normal. There is no finding of leukemic cells. I have outlined the treatment plan for you.

I suggest taking Iron and Folic acid tablets thrice daily after meals for eight weeks, followed by a CBC (complete blood count) and serum ferritin level estimation. If serum ferritin levels are low, to continue with the iron and Folic acid tablets for another two months.

Take adequate intake of iron-rich foods.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 13, 2018
Reviewed At November 16, 2022

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Singh Smrita is a General Practitioner and a Family Physician specializing in Pathology and Hematology. She has expertise in diagnosing and managing blood disorders, anemia, infections, and immune-related conditions. She is skilled in laboratory diagnostics, interpretation of blood tests, and personalized treatment plans. Dr. Singh also focuses on preventive care, patient education, and holistic management of chronic diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Singh Smrita is a General Practitioner and a Family Physician specializing in Pathology and Hematology. She has expertise in diagnosing and managing blood disorders, anemia, infections, and immune-related conditions. She is skilled in laboratory diagnostics, interpretation of blood tests, and personalized treatment plans. Dr. Singh also focuses on preventive care, patient education, and holistic management of chronic diseases.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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