Microcytic Anemia

Microcytic anemia is based on the protocol for patients who have an automated MCV of less than 75 fl. The three most common causes of microcytic anemias are iron deficiency, thalassemia minor, and anemia of chronic disease. Cases of thalassemia have elevated red counts and lower RDW's than would be expected for the MCV and the degree of anemia. Iron deficiencies are almost always associated with a high RDW. Some anemias of chronic disease may be normocytic and others such as renal disease are microcytic. Anemias of chronic disease do not have decreased iron stores.

Microcytic Anemia - Hypochromic, Target Cells, Microcyte