Microcytic Red Blood Cell

• Microcytic RBC: MCV <80* :
• Slightly smaller than a normal mature RBC which correlates to the MCV of <80 fL
• pallor is usually present (as opposed to a microspherocyte)
• Can be hypochromic (central pallor greater than 1/3 of cell diameter)

• increased in: Remember the Mnemonic “Puny TICS”:

1. “Puny” for Pyridoxine deficiency
2. “T” for Thalassemia
3. “I” for Iron deficiency anemia
4. “C” for Chronic disease anemia (sometimes): AKA Anemia of Chronic Disease
5. “S” for Sideroblastic anemia (e.g. Lead poisoning)

Microcytic RBC

Normal and Microcytic RBC