The anemia seen in sickle cell disease is usually:

In sickle cell disease, the anemia is characterized as normocytic and normochromic. This means that the red blood cells (RBCs) are of normal size (not smaller or larger than usual) and have a normal hemoglobin concentration, giving them a typical color when observed under a microscope.

The reason for this classification lies in the underlying pathology of sickle cell disease. Patients produce a significant number of red blood cells, but these cells often have a reduced lifespan due to hemolysis (destruction) caused by their abnormal sickle shape. Although these cells are initially formed normally and are of standard size and coloration, their rapid destruction leads to an overall reduced count of red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Since the characteristics of the remaining circulating red blood cells do not change in size or color, this anemia is classified as normocytic and normochromic.

In contrast, the other classifications like microcytic (smaller than normal) or hypochromic (less color due to lower hemoglobin) apply to different types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia, where there is an inadequate content of hemoglobin or iron affecting cell size and color. Therefore, those classifications do not