Blood 133: 59 - 69, 2019. doi: 10.1182 / blood-2018 - 08 - 815951 Diagnosis of Sideroblastic Anemias Complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, and peripheral blood smear Iron studies (serum iron, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation) Bone marrow examination Genetic testing for a suspected inherited or acquired mutation Sideroblastic anemia is suspected in patients with microcytic anemia or a high RDW anemia, particularly with increased serum iron, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation (see Iron Deficiency Anemia).