What type of cell morphology is expected in a patient with iron deficiency anemia?

In a patient with iron deficiency anemia, the expected cell morphology is characterized as microcytic and hypochromic. This means that the red blood cells (RBCs) are smaller than normal (microcytic) and have a reduced amount of hemoglobin, leading to a pale appearance (hypochromic).

Iron is essential for hemoglobin production, and when the body lacks adequate iron, the synthesis of hemoglobin is impaired, resulting in smaller RBCs with less color. Consequently, during examination, these cells will display the distinct morphology associated with iron deficiency anemia.

Other types of cell morphologies, such as macrocytic cells found in vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies, and normocytic cells with varying chromic features associated with other types of anemia, are not indicative of iron deficiency anemia.