Characteristics of Basophilic Stippling

What is Basophilic Stippling?

  • On a Wright's-stained smear, the presence of multiple dark blue particles or granules of varying size, scattered throughout the cytoplasm of erythrocytes in the reticulocyte stage is called basophilic stippling.
  • There are two types of stippling, fine or diffuse, and coarse or punctate. The erythrocyte containing them may stain normally in other respects or it may be polychromatophilic.


Meet OSHA laboratory safety and compliance requirements with over 40 online courses for clinical laboratories. Learn more.

Erythrocyte Inclusions - Wright Stained Smears course details »

Learn more about laboratory continuing education for ASCP, AMT, NCA, and state renewal and recertification requirements »

Get information on laboratory safety and compliance courses for clinical and medical laboratories »