Which MCV classification indicates small red blood cells?

The classification indicating small red blood cells is microcytic. This term specifically refers to red blood cells that have a decreased volume, which is measured by the mean corpuscular volume (MCV). In conditions characterized by microcytic red blood cells, such as iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia, the MCV will fall below normal ranges, indicating that the red blood cells are smaller than typical.

In contrast, normocytic refers to red blood cells that are of normal size, macrocytic pertains to larger than normal red blood cells, and thrombocytopenic is a term that describes a low platelet count rather than a classification of red blood cell size. Understanding these terms is crucial for diagnosing different types of anemia and blood disorders.