Basostiplcoarsebldqlsmear
A blood test that examines red blood cells under a microscope to detect the presence of coarse basophilic stippling, which may indicate certain medical conditions or exposure to toxins.
{"This test looks for blue-purple dots (basophilic stippling) on red blood cells","It is primarily used to detect lead poisoning or other toxic exposures","A small blood sample is examined under a microscope by laboratory staff","Abnormal results may require further testing and treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45381-1
- Short code
- BSCOARSE
- Synonyms
- Baso Stipl coarse Bld Ql Smear
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- EDTA (lavender/purple-top) vacutainer tube; alternatively sodium heparin (green-top) tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- CPT
- 85008 (manual differential WBC count with morphologic description) or 85007 (automated CBC with manual differential when smear review indicated)
- SNOMED
- 425900008
- Specimen volume
- 1-3 mL whole blood (minimum 0.5 mL for pediatric samples)
- Stability
- Stable for 4-6 hours at room temperature (20-25°C) for optimal smear preparation; up to 24 hours if refrigerated (2-8°C); perform smear preparation within 2 hours of collection for best morphology preservation
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The basophilic stippling (coarse) test is a specialized blood test performed using light microscopy. During this test, a healthcare professional examines your red blood cells under a microscope to look for the presence of coarse blue-purple granules or dots. These dots are called basophilic stippling and are abnormal inclusions within red blood cells that contain aggregated ribosomes.
How is the test performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm, typically using a needle. The sample is then prepared on a slide and examined under a microscope by a trained laboratory technician or pathologist. The test does not require fasting or any special preparation. Results are usually available within a few days.
What do the results mean?
Normal results indicate no significant basophilic stippling is present in your red blood cells. If coarse basophilic stippling is detected, it may indicate exposure to certain toxins, particularly lead, or underlying blood disorders that affect red blood cell production. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in context with your symptoms and other test findings.
Reference range
Negative (None detected). Coarse basophilic stippling is not normally present in mature peripheral red blood cells of healthy individuals.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. However, informing the laboratory of any known exposure to heavy metals (lead, arsenic, thallium), recent medications (chloramphenicol, linezolid, pyrimethamine), or history of hemoglobinopathy is recommended for proper interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is this test painful?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens if my test results are abnormal?
Who should have this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy