What term describes the pale color of red blood cells in microcytic anemia due to lower hemoglobin concentration?

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Multiple Choice

What term describes the pale color of red blood cells in microcytic anemia due to lower hemoglobin concentration?

The pale color of red blood cells when hemoglobin concentration is low is described as hypochromic. In microcytic anemia, cells are smaller and tend to have less hemoglobin per cell, so they stain lighter and show increased central pallor. This reflects a decreased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Hyperchromic would mean cells look darker due to excess hemoglobin, which isn’t typical here. Normochromic means normal color, and polychromic refers to a mix of colors from young, immature cells. So the pale, under-stained appearance in this context is hypochromic.

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