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Module HEME-13 · Version 1.0

Microcytic Anemia Patterns

Use CBC indices, peripheral-smear findings, iron studies, and inflammation context to separate common microcytic-pattern families and choose a bounded next laboratory action.

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Who this module is for

Medical laboratory scientists and trainees who review CBC and iron-study patterns.

Learning objectives

  • Compare iron deficiency, thalassemia-pattern, inflammation or functional iron restriction, sideroblastic, and lead-related findings.
  • Interpret ferritin, iron, transferrin or TIBC, transferrin saturation (TSAT), soluble transferrin receptor where used, and inflammation context.
  • Use RBC count, RDW, target cells, stippling, and dimorphism as supporting rather than definitive evidence.

How completion works

Mark every required section done and answer every knowledge check in those sections correctly. The final save completes the module automatically.

Sources

14 sources

  1. 1. Van Vranken M. Evaluation of Microcytosis. American Family Physician. 2010;82(9):1117-1122.

    Source note · peer-reviewed literature

  2. 2. ARUP Consult. Thalassemias. Updated April 2025.

    Source note · professional society guidance

  3. 3. Ryan K, Bain BJ, Worthington D, et al. Significant haemoglobinopathies: guidelines for screening and diagnosis. British Journal of Haematology. 2023;201:1-24.

    Source note · professional society guidance

  4. 4. Camaschella C. Iron deficiency. Blood. 2019;133(1):30-39.

    Source note · peer-reviewed literature

  5. 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level. Updated 2025-08-21.

    Source note · federal guidance

  6. 6. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. C40: Measurement Procedures for the Determination of Lead Concentrations in Blood and Urine, 2nd ed. 2013.

    Source note · consensus standard

  7. 7. 42 CFR 493.1253, Establishment and verification of performance specifications.

    Source note · federal regulation

  8. 8. 42 CFR 493.1256, Control procedures.

    Source note · federal regulation

  9. 9. Fertrin KY. Diagnosis and management of iron deficiency in chronic inflammatory conditions. Hematology ASH Education Program. 2020;2020(1):478-486.

    Source note · peer-reviewed literature

  10. 10. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes. KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney International. 2024;105(Suppl 4S):S117-S314.

    Source note · professional society guidance

  11. 11. Merck Manual Professional Edition. Sideroblastic Anemias. Revised 2025.

    Source note · professional society guidance

  12. 12. Kauffman B, Hattab EM. Histology, Basophilic Stippling. StatPearls. Updated 2024.

    Source note · peer-reviewed literature

  13. 13. Weiss G, Ganz T, Goodnough LT. Anemia of inflammation. Blood. 2019;133(1):40-50.

    Source note · peer-reviewed literature

  14. 14. World Health Organization. Guideline on haemoglobin cutoffs to define anaemia in individuals and populations. 2024.

    Source note · professional society guidance