hemosiderin staining

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:35:14 +0000

# Hemosiderin Staining: A Comprehensive Guide to Detection and Clinical Significance ## Introduction to Hemosiderin Staining Hemosiderin staining is a critical technique in histopathology and laboratory diagnostics, used to detect and quantify intracellular deposits of hemosiderin—a breakdown product of ferritin and the iron-storage complex ferritin. As an iron metabolite, hemosiderin accumulates in tissues during chronic iron overload, inflammation, or hemorrhage. Its invisible nature under routine brightfield microscopy necessitates specialized staining methods, such as Prussian blue or Perl’s Prussian blue stain, to visualize iron deposition accurately. Understanding hemosiderin staining plays a vital role in diagnosing conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis, thalassemia, liver iron overload, and sideroblastic anemia. This article explores the science behind hemosiderin, the staining process, diagnostic applications, and its significance in clinical practice.