Objective: The present study aimed at assessing the role of hypochromia and microcytosis in the 
determination of iron storage state and early detection of iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
Background: Anemia is defined as hemoglobin (Hb) concentration below the reference range (Hb 
level below 13 g/dl in men, 12 g/dl in women, and 11g/dl in pregnant women and preschool children). 
The assessment of hypochromia and microcytosis can help more prediction of (IDA). Patients and 
methods: This study included 60 patients with normal Hb levels with decreased Mean Corpuscular 
Volume (MCV) & Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and 30 healthy subjects as a control group. 
All patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examinations, laboratory investigations such as 
Complete blood count (CBC), serum iron, serum ferritin (SF), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), C -
reactive protein (CRP) and Hb. Electrophoresis. Results: Mean MCV, MCH, Serum iron, SF, TIBC, 
CRP, and Hb. Electrophoresis had statistically significant difference between the two groups (p-value 
<0.0001). Conclusion: It indicates an early sign of (IDA).
Abbreviations: IDA; iron deficiency anemia, Hb; hemoglobin, MCV; Mean Corpuscular
Volume, MCH; Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin, CBC; Complete blood count, SF; serum 
ferritin, TIBC; total iron-binding capacity and CRP; C - reactive protein.