Siderocytes, Blood or Bone Marrow — Prussian Blue Stain
A special iron stain of blood or bone marrow that shows iron-containing red-cell precursors and helps evaluate iron availability and marrow iron patterns.
["This test helps determine whether iron is present in developing red blood cells and how it is distributed in the marrow."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 99398-0
- Short code
- Siderocytes.Tp 3 NFr Bld/Mar Prus Bl St
- Synonyms
- Siderocytes.Tp 3 NFr Bld/Mar Prus Bl St
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- prussian-blue-stain
- CPT
- 86592
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test uses a Prussian blue stain to detect stored iron in developing red blood cells, including siderocytes and sideroblasts. It may be performed on a blood or bone marrow sample, depending on the laboratory test ordered.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered to help evaluate unexplained anemia, low iron stores, or unusual iron accumulation in red-cell precursors. Results can also support assessment of bone marrow disorders, including conditions in which ring sideroblasts are present.
How is the test performed?
A laboratory professional prepares a blood or bone marrow specimen on a slide, applies the Prussian blue stain, and examines the cells under a microscope. The stain makes iron deposits appear blue.
How do I prepare for the test?
A blood sample generally requires no special preparation or fasting. If a bone marrow sample is needed, the procedure is performed by a healthcare professional, and you should follow the specific preparation instructions provided for that procedure.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Little or no stainable iron may be associated with iron deficiency, while increased iron or ring sideroblasts may occur with inflammation, liver disease, iron overload, medication effects, or certain marrow disorders. These findings can contribute to the evaluation of anemia and may raise suspicion of a myelodysplastic disorder, but they do not diagnose one by themselves. Results are interpreted with other blood tests, iron studies, and the clinical picture.
Short name
Siderocyte stain
Frequently asked questions
What does a Prussian blue stain show?
Does this test diagnose myelodysplastic syndrome?
What if the result shows very little iron?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy