A patient with anemia is found to have a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and a low mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). What is the most likely diagnosis?

A Iron deficiency anemia ✓
B Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
C Folate deficiency anemia
D Thalassemia major

Explanation

A low MCV indicates microcytic anemia, while a low MCH indicates hypochromic anemia. The most common cause of microcytic hypochromic anemia is iron deficiency anemia.

Source

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
Hematology Hematology: Anemia Hematology: Anemia Medium MEDICAL Confidence: high