Microcytic

Usually refers to microcytic (small) RBCs that are seen in microcytic anemia. These are anemias with small RBCs (MCV of <80fL). The Meumonic for Microcytic anemia is "Puny TICS". Both Puny and TICS are small things. Hence, small RBCs with low MCV. P in Puny for Pyridoxine deficiency, T for Thalassemia, I for Iron deficiency, C for Chronic disease anemia (sometimes but most are normocytic) and S for Sideroblastic anemia (such as in Pb poisoning or congenital sideroblastic anemia).