Given the RBC indices of MCV 88 μm3 (fL), MCH 30 pg, and MCHC 34%, how would the RBCs appear on a peripheral smear?

To understand how the red blood cells (RBCs) would appear on a peripheral smear given the provided red blood cell indices, let's examine the meanings of MCV, MCH, and MCHC.

The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measure of the average size of RBCs. An MCV of 88 μm³ (or fL) falls within the normal range (typically 80-100 fL), indicating that the RBCs are of normal size, or normocytic.

The mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) indicates the average amount of hemoglobin per RBC. An MCH of 30 pg is also within the normal range (usually around 27-31 pg), reflecting a standard amount of hemoglobin in each RBC, suggesting that these cells are adequately saturated with hemoglobin.

Lastly, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) represents the average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed RBCs. An MCHC of 34% is considered to be in the normal range (which is typically around 32-36%). This indicates that the RBCs are well-filled with hemoglobin and do not exhibit any signs of hypochromia (