Characteristics of Pappenheimer bodies and Siderotic granules

Siderotic Granules

  • To verify that red cell inclusions contain iron, it is necessary to use an iron stain, such as Perl's Prussian blue. The iron-containing granules are called siderotic granules.
  • A mature erythrocyte containing siderotic granules is referred to as a siderocyte, while an immature (nucleated) erythrocyte containing siderotic granules is known as a sideroblast.
  • A Pappenheimer body is a siderotic granule which is visible on Wright stain.
  • All Pappenheimer bodies are Prussian blue positive, but not all siderotic granules are visible on Wright's stain as Pappenheimer bodies.


Review for ASCP Boards or test your clinical laboratory science knowledge with the FREE LabCE.com Quiz Game.

Erythrocyte Inclusions - Wright Stained Smears course details »

Learn more about medical technologist continuing education for MTs, MLTs, and other lab personnel »

Get information on laboratory safety training for clinical and medical laboratories »