What is a "microcyte"?

A microcyte is a smaller-than-normal red blood cell that is often associated with certain types of anemia. These cells have a reduced size and may be indicative of underlying medical conditions affecting the production or maturation of red blood cells in the body. Microcytes can be observed and evaluated through a complete blood count (CBC) test and are an important parameter in diagnosing and monitoring certain hematological disorders.