Normocytic vs. Normochromic Anemia

BCRNA · Dec 24, 2012

"-cytic" refers to RBC size and "-chromic" refers to color. Normocytic and normochromic anemia means RBCs are normal size and color. The difference comes from the cause. Some genetic disorders cause abnormally small RBCs. The color is determined by the amount of iron. The color can hint at the cause, just like the size can. As a nurse, you will not have to be able to explain all of the differences. This two words are used together to describe anemia. They are not different types in themselves.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2012

BCRN is right....it is a description of the blood cells appearence, amount

is a blood disorder characterized by normal amounts of haemoglobin within normal-sized red blood cells. However, the number of red blood cells is low.

that is found amongst different diseases/syndromes and not a disease itself. This may help......http://www.montana.edu/wwwmb/coursehome/mb405/PDF Files/HEMATO09.pdf

Sadala, ADN, RN · Dec 24, 2012

As a nurse, you will not have to be able to explain all of the ? differences.

Well, I think that it is darn well helpful to be able to look at the values on a CBC, and, along with other factors, to have SOME idea of what is going on. At the very least, it can help you determine some likely scenarios such as whether the patient might have some sort of hemolysis, or whether they seem to have an anemia of blood cell production.

This can be important dependent upon the situation. Is the pt on a med that causes hemolysis? Are all of the lines of blood cell production depressed? Are there indications of a bleed and is the patient at RISK of a bleed? Recent surgery? Is the patient in her child bearing years? Recent childbirth? Enlarged spleen? Kidney disease?

Knowing where the pt is coming from and then coupling it with specific cbc results can be very helpful in understanding what may be going on. If there is a retic ct included, what is that ct? It can tell you if the pt is appropriately making blood. What is the iron/transferrin/ferritin/iron binding capacity? Any family hx of disorders such as hemachromatosis?

I could go on for days.

Sadala, ADN, RN · Dec 24, 2012

The difference comes from the cause. Some genetic disorders cause abnormally small RBCs.

Iron deficiency has both microcytic and hypochromic RBCs.

ala2ch · Dec 27, 2012

Thank You everyone for your help I really appreciate it

Sadala dear thanx for the emphasis I asked this questuion because I am studying for my final exam of medsurg

It was helpful to know when to have normocytic and normochromic anemia

Thanks Again :)