What characteristic finding is often seen in iron deficiency anemia on a complete blood count?

Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by microcytic hypochromic red blood cells as a result of inadequate iron to produce hemoglobin. In iron deficiency, the red blood cells are smaller in size (microcytic) due to insufficient hemoglobin production, and they also tend to have a paler color (hypochromic) because of the reduced hemoglobin content. This alteration in red blood cell morphology is a direct reflection of the body's reduced iron stores and impaired erythropoiesis.

On a complete blood count (CBC), these changes will typically show a decrease in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), which indicates smaller red blood cells, and a decrease in mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), reflecting lower hemoglobin content per cell. The association of microcytic hypochromic red blood cells with iron deficiency anemia is a classic finding and helps to differentiate it from other types of anemia, such as macrocytic anemia, which is linked to deficiencies of vitamin B12 or folate.

The presence of high platelet counts, macrocytic red blood cells, or elevated white blood cell counts are not specific findings associated with iron deficiency anemia, making microcytic hypochromic red blood cells the hallmark characteristic seen in