sideroblast

An erythroblast containing granules of ferritin stained by the Prussian blue reaction. [sidero- + G. blastos, germ]

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sid·ero·blast 'sid-ə-rə-.blast n an erythroblast containing cytoplasmic iron granules

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n.

a red blood cell precursor (see erythroblast) in which iron-containing granules can be demonstrated by suitable staining techniques. Sideroblasts may be seen in normal individuals and are absent in iron deficiency. A certain type of anaemia (sideroblastic anaemia) is characterized by the presence of abnormal ringed sideroblasts.

• sideroblastic adj.

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sid·ero·blast (sidґər-o-blast″) a normoblast that contains granules of iron in the form of ferritin in its cytoplasm and stains with Prussian blue.