A patient presents with fatigue. The CBC results are:
Parameter
| Value
| Reference Interval
|
White blood cells (WBC)
| 5.7 x 109/L
| 4.0-10.0 x 109/L
|
Red blood cells (RBC)
| 4.0 x 1012/L
| 4.2-5.9 x 1012/L
|
Hemoglobin
| 12.9 g/dL
| 12-16 g/dL
|
Hematocrit
| 34%
| 37-48%
|
MCV
| 85 fL
| 80-100 fL
|
MCHC
| 38 g/dL
| 30-37 g/dL
|
Considering all of the above information and the cells indicated by the arrows that were observed on the peripheral smear, what is the probable mechanism for the anemia that the patient is experiencing?
Please select the single best answer