A member asked:

Is it possible to have a normal hemoglobin but low mch and mchb and platelet count of 482 to be considered microcytic anemia?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Yes: A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (mchc), even in the absence of a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) or low rbc count can be a sign of a evolving microcytic anemia. Microcytosis can be caused by iron deficiency (check ferritin level) or thallesemia (check hemoglobin electrophoresis). Hope that this helps.

Answered 6/10/2014

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Dr. Christopher Lynch answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Not anemia: With a normal hemoglobin and hematocrit, by definition you are not anemic. If your MCV is low in this context then you simply have microcytic red blood cells. This can be seen in some hereditary syndromes such as thallasemia. It is also possible that your iron stores may be in the process of being depleted and frank anemia has not emerged yet. Discuss with your doctor obtaining iron studies.

Answered 6/10/2014

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