Skip to content

Basostiplfinebldqlsmear

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A blood microscopy test that examines red blood cells for the presence of fine blue granules, which may indicate certain blood disorders or exposure to toxins.

Quick summary

{"The test looks for tiny blue dots (basophilic stippling) inside red blood cells under a microscope","It can help diagnose conditions like lead poisoning, thalassemia, or certain anemias","A small blood sample is taken from your arm for this test","Results are reported as 'present' or 'not present'","Your doctor will interpret the results based on your symptoms and other test findings"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
45380-3
Short code
BSFINE
Synonyms
Baso Stipl Fine Bld Ql Smear
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
EDTA (lavender/purple-top) vacutainer tube; peripheral blood smear prepared from fresh whole blood
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
microscopy-light
CPT
85007
SNOMED
165467006
Specimen volume
3-5 mL whole blood in EDTA tube; minimum 1 mL for pediatric samples
Stability
Peripheral blood smear should be prepared within 1-2 hours of collection; EDTA whole blood stable at room temperature (18-25°C) for up to 4 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 24 hours; stained slides stable indefinitely when properly stored
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
1–4 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The basophilic stippling test is a microscopic examination of your blood. It looks at red blood cells under a special microscope to see if they contain tiny blue-purple granules called basophilic stippling. These granules are actually clumps of ribonucleic acid (RNA) that normally should not be visible in healthy red blood cells.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood is then placed on a glass slide and stained with special dyes. A laboratory technician or pathologist examines the slide under a microscope to look for the presence of fine basophilic stippling in the red blood cells. The result is typically reported as either 'present' or 'not present,' along with an estimate of how many cells show this characteristic if present.

Why might I need this test?

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of anemia (such as fatigue, weakness, or pale skin), signs of lead poisoning (especially in children), or if other blood tests show abnormal results. It is often used as a follow-up test when other complete blood count (CBC) findings suggest there may be a problem with red blood cell production.

What do the results mean?

If basophilic stippling is present in your blood, it means that your red blood cells contain these unusual granules. This is not a normal finding and typically indicates an underlying condition that needs further evaluation. Your healthcare provider will consider these results along with your other test results, symptoms, and medical history to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Reference range

Negative (no fine basophilic stippling observed). Fine basophilic stippling is normally absent in healthy individuals.N/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patient should be informed about the blood draw procedure.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Is this test painful?
The test requires a blood draw, which may cause brief discomfort similar to a minor pinch. The actual microscopic examination is done in a laboratory and causes no discomfort to the patient.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 1-3 days, depending on the laboratory. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results or discuss them at your follow-up appointment.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is typically required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before having your blood drawn, unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
What happens if basophilic stippling is found in my blood?
If basophilic stippling is present, your doctor will likely order additional tests to determine the underlying cause. These may include tests for lead levels in the blood, iron studies, hemoglobin electrophoresis, or other evaluations depending on your specific situation and symptoms.
Can children have this test?
Yes, this test can be performed on children. It is particularly important in pediatric cases where lead poisoning is suspected, as children are more vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Basophilic StipplingSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Test CatalogSource
  3. 3
    American Family Physician - Approach to AnemiaSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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