Background: Anemia has a significant health burden in developing nation. Etiology is determined by looking at the morphology of R.B.C which determines the degree of hemoglobinization. Aims and objectives: To determine the morphological patterns of anemia and its prevalence in various age groups. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive study done on patients who attended clinical pathology department during January 2017–December 2017 in A.C.S. Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. Complete hemograms of 760 patients were analyzed. This study was approved by the institutional ethical committee. Result: Of the total 760 hemograms, 470 were anemic with a prevalence of 61.8%. This study showed a female preponderance with 65.9%. The most common morphologic pattern of anemia in the present study was microcytic hypochromic, followed by macrocytic and dimorphic. The prevalence of microcytic hypochromic anemia was 46.8% (n=220), followed by macrocytic 31.9% (n=150) and dimorphic 21.2% (n=100) respectively. In females most of the anemias (microcytic, macrocytic and dimorphic) presented between the age group of 20-30 years. In males microcytic anemia was prevalent in 31-40 years whereas dimorphic and macrocytic anemias were prevalent above the age of 50 years Conclusion: Morphology of anemia by smear examination remains the baseline tool for diagnosing anemia. Morphological patterns determine the underlying cause. Peripheral Smear examination being less expensive reduces the financial burden to the patient and this tool being mandatory in evaluation of anemias, helps physician in early diagnosis of anemia and prevent the complications of anemia.

Keywords: R.B.C-Red Blood Cells; HB-Hemoglobin.