Rapid detection of ringed sideroblasts with bromchlorphenol blue.

A test for demonstrating ringed sideroblasts was developed, using the dye bromchlorphenol blue. The test is based upon the ability of the dye to form a colored water-insoluble precipitate with iron. Because it is rapid and permits localization of ferritin-containing cytoplasmic inclusions, the reaction may be useful in the assessment of sideroblastic anemias.