Images show peripheral blood smears containing a dimorphic population (hypochromic-microcytic, and normochromic-normocytic red blood cells). From MLS Collection, University of Alberta.

Image 1: 100x oil immersion. https://doi.org/10.7939/R3T14V447

Image 2: 50x oil immersion. https://doi.org/10.7939/R3V11W18D

Cell Description:

The peripheral blood smear shows that there are two distinct red blood cell populations present. The different red blood cell populations that may be seen are normocytic/normochromic, microcytic/hypochromic, macrocytic/normochromic.^1,2

Cell Formation:

The cause for the formation of a dimorphic red blood cell population varies depending on the clinical condition.

Associated Disease/Clinical States: ^1-2

Sideroblastic Anemia

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

Iron, Vitamin B12, Folate deficiency (and during the early treatment stage)

Post-transfusion

Erythropoietin Therapy

Note: RDW > 14.5%³

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