A CBC shows decreased RBC, HGB, and HCT. The manual reticulocyte count result was 12%. Which of the following would you expect to see on the peripheral smear?

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A decreased RBC count, HGB, and HCT with an increased reticulocyte count indicates a hemolytic anemia. Polychromasia, or an increased number of immature, nucleated RBCs with a bluish color on the peripheral smear, is a common finding in hemolytic anemias. Cabot rings, microcytosis, and Heinz bodies are not typically seen in hemolytic anemia. Cabot rings are ring-like structures seen in megaloblastic anemias, microcytosis is seen in iron deficiency anemia, and Heinz bodies are seen in G6PD deficiency.

A CBC Shows Decreased RBC, HGB, and HCT