Absolute basophil count (ABC) Test

Basophil count is traditionally done as a part of the differential white blood cell count test. Absolute basophil count test may be done if the doctor suspects:

• An allergic reaction
• Bone marrow cancer
• Myeloproliferative disorders
• Chickenpox
• Collagen vascular disease

The test may also be ordered if symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism are seen, such as:

• Sleep disturbance
• Frequent, heavy or infrequent, scant menstrual periods in women (Read more: Irregular periods causes)
• Hoarse voice
• Fatigue
• Unexpected weight gain
• Dryness of the skin and hair
• Muscle weakness
• Intolerance to cold
• Sudden weight loss

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You do not need any prior preparations for this test unless advised otherwise by the doctor.

In order to conduct this test, your healthcare provider will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm.

After the test, you may experience temporary bruising or discomfort at the site of needle insertion. These will subside on their own. Some other risks associated with blood tests are:

• Excessive bleeding at the site of blood withdrawal
• Nausea
• Light-headedness or fainting
• Hematoma (blood clot under the skin)
• Infection at the site of needle insertion

Normal results:

The normal range for absolute basophil count is 15-100 cells/cubic millimetre.

Abnormal results:

Higher than normal values of basophils could be indicative of:

• Infections such as chickenpox
• Myeloproliferative disorders (a group of conditions which cause excessive production of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets in our bone marrow)
• Allergic reaction
• Surgery for removal of the spleen
• Chronic myelogenous leukaemia (a type of blood cancer)
• Hypothyroidism
• Taking drugs such as anti-thyroid medicines or oestrogens

Lower than normal values of basophils could be due to:

• Severe injury
• Acute infection
• Hyperthyroidism
• Radiation treatment
• Acute allergic reaction
• Taking drugs such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy

The reference range for this test may vary slightly from one laboratory to another; therefore, it is important to discuss your results with your doctor in order to get an accurate interpretation.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.