Anemia Explorer

Blood smear shapes & the CBC · Week 9
Anemia = not enough healthy red cells (or hemoglobin) to carry oxygen. To find the cause, start with the size of the red cells (MCV). They may be small (microcytic), normal (normocytic), or large (macrocytic). Click a type to see its smear and its labs.

Under the microscope

A blood smear for each anemia. Watch the red cells change size, color (pale means low hemoglobin), and shape.
MicrocyticMCV < 80
NormocyticMCV 80–100
MacrocyticMCV > 100
Pick an anemiaFour classic red cell disorders

👆 Pick an anemia

This anemia

General anemia symptoms

Whatever the cause, less oxygen delivered gives the same core signs:
😮‍💨 Fatigue & weakness · 🌡️ pallor (pale skin and conjunctiva) · 🫁 shortness of breath with effort · 💓 tachycardia (the heart speeds up to move what little oxygen there is) · 🥶 feeling cold, dizziness. Each anemia then adds its own tell-tale extras.