Required section · Section 1 of 6
An in-range MCV with an RBC distribution flag
An adult outpatient K2-EDTA specimen was collected at 09:10, analyzed at 10:05, and reviewed at 10:18 after an RBC distribution flag. The RBC count is 3.92 × 10^12/L, hemoglobin is 10.8 g/dL, and hematocrit is 34.3%. MCV is 87.5 fL, within this case's illustrative interval of 81.0 to 99.0 fL. An average does not show whether the cells are uniform.
The volume histogram is broad with peaks near 70 fL and 98 fL. In a representative monolayer, microcytic hypochromic cells coexist with a discrete normocytic population. Dimorphism means two discernible red-cell populations; continuous anisocytosis is a broad continuum of size variation rather than two separable populations. RDW alone cannot establish either pattern.
A size or color description is an observation, not a diagnosis. Confirm that the field represents the specimen, name the morphology with approved local terms, and reconcile it with indices and analyzer evidence.
| Result | Value | Illustrative interval or evidence |
|---|---|---|
| RBC count | 3.92 × 10^12/L | 4.0-5.2 × 10^12/L, low |
| Hemoglobin | 10.8 g/dL | 12.0-16.0 g/dL, low |
| Hematocrit | 34.3% | 36.0-46.0%, low |
| MCV | 87.5 fL | 81.0-99.0 fL, in range |
| MCHC | 31.5 g/dL | 32-35 g/dL, low |
| RDW-CV | 19.8% | 11.5-14.5%, high local illustrative interval |
| Reticulocytes | 2.8% | 0.5-2.0%, high local illustrative interval |
| Histogram | Peaks near 70 and 98 fL | Broad, bimodal distribution flag |
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