<prompt> An 18-year-old man, of Italian extraction, is found to have a hypochromic microcytic anemia of 10 gdL. In addition, there are a fair number of anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, and target cells seen on the blood film. The WBC is 9500mL, the platelet count is 240,000mL, and the reticulocyte count is 7. The spleen is palpated 5 cm below the left costal margin. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?sickle cell traitthalassemia minorHbS-C diseasesideroblastic anemia  <response>: Thalassemia minor usually represents a heterozygous state and is often asymptomatic. Symptoms may develop during periods of stress such as pregnancy or severe infection. Hemoglobin values are usually in the 9-11 gdL range. The red cells are small and poorly hemoglobinized. 