Absolute Basophil Count
Understanding Absolute Basophil Count
What is Absolute Basophil Count?
An Absolute Basophil Count test measures the number of basophils, a type of white blood cell, in the blood. This test helps identify health conditions, such as infection, inflammation, allergy, etc., in the body. It is often done as part of a complete blood count test that also measures other types of blood cells.
Basophils are a type of white blood cells (WBCs) called granulocytes. These blood cells make up less than 1% of all of your circulating WBCs. Basophils are the only WBCs circulating around your body that contain histamine. During an allergic reaction, histamine is released and it is responsible for symptoms of allergies, such as a runny nose or sneezing.
An Absolute Basophil Count test helps check triggering inflammatory reactions in the body. Inflammation is the body’s signal to the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissues as well as defend the body against foreign agents. A very high basophil count (basophilia) may signal that you have an infection or a more serious condition like leukemia or autoimmune disease. While a low basophil count (basopenia) could be the result of your basophils working overtime to attack an allergen or treat an infection that is taking longer than normal to heal. No special preparation is required for an ANC test; eat or drink as per your daily routine.
Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate an overall treatment plan.
What is Absolute Basophil Count used for?
An Absolute Basophil Count test can be done:
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As part of a complete blood count test to monitor your overall health.
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To identify the cause of allergies, inflammation, or infections.
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To detect diseases characterized by chronic inflammation.
What does Absolute Basophil Count measure?
An Absolute Basophil Count test measures the total number of basophils in the blood. Basophils are small, spherically-shaped cells that originate from bone marrow and make up almost 1% of the total white blood cells in the body. They attack a foreign substance and release proteins like histamine and heparin to destroy harmful substances, such as allergens, pathogens, or parasites. Histamine helps widen the blood vessels and make space for more immune cells to come to the site of infection or injury, whereas heparin acts as a blood-thinning agent and helps to avoid blood clotting at that site.
Interpreting Absolute Basophil Count results
Interpretations
The normal test result for Absolute Basophil Count ranges from 0 to 300 cells per microliter of blood for men and women of any age.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Absolute Basophil Count
Frequently Asked Questions about Absolute Basophil Count
Q. What conditions can an ABC test detect?
Q. How is an ABC test done?
Q. Do I need to fast before taking the Absolute Basophil Count test?
Q. Is there any risk associated with an Absolute Basophil Count test?
Q. What is the meaning of abnormal basophil count?
Q. How to treat high or low basophil count?
References
- Borzova E, Dahinden CA. Basophils and Mast Cells [monograph on the Internet]. NY: Humana Press; 14 Aug. 2014 [Accessed 03 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://link.springer.com/protocol/10.1007/978-1-4939-1173-8_7. Subscription required to view.
- Moore JE, James GW III. A Simple Direct Method for Absolute Basophil Leucocyte Count. Sage Journals. 1953;82(4). [Accessed 03 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3181/00379727-82-20190. Subscription required to view.
- Lokwani DP. The ABC of CBC: Interpretation of Complete Blood Count & Histograms. 1st ed. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers; 2013.
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