Diagnostic findings consistent with beta-thalassemia are:

Diagnostic findings consistent with beta-thalassemia are:

• A. Hemoglobin Normal
• B. Reticulocytes Normal
• C. Hgb A2 Less Than 3.6
• D. Hypochromia and Microcytosis

Answer: (D)

Beta-thalassemia causes reduced beta-globin production, leading to an imbalance of globin chains and ineffective erythropoiesis. This results in red blood cells that are smaller and contain less hemoglobin, so the blood smear shows microcytosis and hypochromia (low MCV and low MCH). That microcytic, hypochromic pattern is the typical hematologic clue for this condition. In contrast, HbA2 is usually elevated (not decreased), and reticulocyte counts are often higher than normal due to ongoing erythropoiesis, with hemoglobin levels commonly reduced rather than normal.

Beta-thalassemia causes reduced beta-globin production, leading to an imbalance of globin chains and ineffective erythropoiesis. This results in red blood cells that are smaller and contain less hemoglobin, so the blood smear shows microcytosis and hypochromia (low MCV and low MCH). That microcytic, hypochromic pattern is the typical hematologic clue for this condition. In contrast, HbA2 is usually elevated (not decreased), and reticulocyte counts are often higher than normal due to ongoing erythropoiesis, with hemoglobin levels commonly reduced rather than normal.