What term describes erythrocytes with decreased hemoglobin content?

What term describes erythrocytes with decreased hemoglobin content?

• A. Polychromasia
• B. Basophilia
• C. Hypochromasia
• D. Hyperchromasia

Answer: (C)

Decreased hemoglobin content in red blood cells makes them look paler on a blood smear because the central pallor becomes more pronounced. This pale appearance is called hypochromasia. It’s a hallmark of reduced hemoglobin within each cell and is often seen in iron deficiency anemia and related conditions, reflecting a lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Polychromasia would show a mix of cell colors due to more immature reticulocytes, not a uniform decrease in Hb. Basophilia refers to blue staining from RNA or other basophilic material in cells, not specifically to Hb content. Hyperchromasia would imply darker staining (more Hb) and is not the typical descriptor for RBCs with reduced Hb.

Decreased hemoglobin content in red blood cells makes them look paler on a blood smear because the central pallor becomes more pronounced. This pale appearance is called hypochromasia. It’s a hallmark of reduced hemoglobin within each cell and is often seen in iron deficiency anemia and related conditions, reflecting a lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration.

Polychromasia would show a mix of cell colors due to more immature reticulocytes, not a uniform decrease in Hb. Basophilia refers to blue staining from RNA or other basophilic material in cells, not specifically to Hb content. Hyperchromasia would imply darker staining (more Hb) and is not the typical descriptor for RBCs with reduced Hb.