Pathology The peripheral blood smear of an anemic 1-year-old child is shown in the illustration. The most likely diagnosis is A anemia of chronic disease. B aplastic anemia. C hereditary spherocytosis D iron deficiency anemia. 💡 Explanation The peripheral blood smear of an anemic 1-year-old child is shown in the illustration. The most likely diagnosis is ✓ Correct Answer: D. iron deficiency anemia.