Used as a staining agent in microscopy, particularly in the examination of blood smears and bone marrow samples. It helps in differentiating and identifying various types of cells and cellular components, such as reticulocytes, by selectively staining RNA and other cytoplasmic elements. Also employed in flow cytometry for assessing reticulocyte counts in clinical diagnostics. Its strong affinity for nucleic acids makes it useful in evaluating erythropoietic activity. Additionally, it serves as a redox indicator in some analytical procedures due to its reversible electron transfer properties.