Microcytic Hypochromic

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Microcytic Hypochromic is a term applied to some types of anemia where the MCV is low & MCHC is low.

Microcytic =  volume of a red blood cell is low (i.e. cell is smaller than normal)  = MCV (mean cell volume).
Hypochromic = low concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cell = MCHC (mean cell hemoglobin content).

Microcytic Hypochromic anemia is most commonly caused by iron deficiency.  Iron deficiency may be due to poor diet,  but is more often caused by hemorrhage or blood loss (e.g. ulcer, infection, GI bleeding) and can be regenerative or non-regenerative.

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