Overview

• Hypochromia refers to a reduction in the intensity of red blood cell colour.

• • Signs of Hypochromia

  • An increase in central pallor >⅓ of the cell on blood film
  • Reduced red cell haemoglobin (MCH / MCHC)
• •  

• • Causes of Hypochromia

  • Microcytic

  • Iron deficiency anaemia
  • Anaemia of chronic disease (infection / inflammation / malignancy)
  • Thalassaemia
  • Congenital sideroblastic anaemia
  • Lead poisoning
  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Macrocytic

  • Copper deficiency