Absolute Basophil Count (ABC) Test For Infection

What is Absolute Basophil Count Test

Absolute Basophil Count (ABC) Test is a type of blood test that measures the number of basophils, a type of white blood cell, in a person's blood.

• Basophils play a role in the immune system's response to allergens and parasitic infections.
• The absolute basophil count is the number of basophils per microliter of blood.
• It is often used in conjunction with other blood tests to help diagnose and monitor certain medical conditions, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, and some types of cancers.
• A healthcare provider may order an absolute basophil count test as part of a routine blood workup, or if they suspect a person may have an underlying medical condition.
• The test is typically done by taking a sample of blood from a vein in the arm and analyzing it in a laboratory.

 

ABC Test Overview 

Here is basic information about Absolute Basophil Count (ABC) Test.

Also Known As	Absolute Basophil Count Test
Type	Blood test
Purpose	Measure the number of basophils
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	None
Fasting	Not required
Gender	Any
Age Group	Any
Normal Value	0-300 cells/mcL
Reporting Time	1-2 Hours
Cost	100 - 200 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

ABC Test Full Form

The Full form of ALC Test is Absolute Basophil Count Test.

 

Interesting Facts About Basophil 

• Basophils are the rarest type of white blood cells in the body, accounting for less than 1% of the total white blood cell population.
• They play a crucial role in allergic reactions by releasing histamine and other chemicals that promote inflammation.
• Basophils also contribute to defense against parasites and have been implicated in certain immune responses, such as hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune diseases.

 

Absolute Basophil Count Test Purpose

• The ABC test aims to help diagnose and monitor certain medical conditions associated with abnormal basophil levels, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, and some types of cancer
• The test results can also help doctors determine the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions.
• The ABC test is often included as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures various components of a person's blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• The results of the ABC test are typically reported as a percentage of the total number of white blood cells and as an absolute number of basophils per microliter of blood.

 

 

Absolute Basophil Count Test Preparation

There is typically no special preparation required for an absolute basophil count (ABC) test, as it is often performed as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test. However, it is always a good idea to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

 

Some general tips to keep in mind when preparing for a blood test include:

1. Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help make it easier to draw blood and can also prevent dehydration-related complications.
2. Follow any dietary restrictions: Depending on the test, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking certain foods or beverages for a period of time before the test.
3. Wear loose-fitting clothing: It's often easier to draw blood when the arm is easily accessible, so wearing a short-sleeved shirt or clothing with loose-fitting sleeves can be helpful.
4. Relax: Blood tests can be uncomfortable for some people, so it's important to try to relax and stay calm during the procedure. Taking slow, deep breaths and distracting yourself with music, a book, or conversation can be helpful.

 

Again, it's always a good idea to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the laboratory where the test will be performed.

 

Absolute Basophil Count Test Procedure

The absolute basophil count test is a blood test that measures the number of basophil cells in a sample of blood. Here are the general steps involved in the procedure:

1. The healthcare professional will clean the area where the blood will be drawn, usually the inside of your elbow, with an antiseptic.
2. They will then use a tourniquet to temporarily restrict blood flow in the arm, making it easier to draw blood.
3. A needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm, and a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial.
4. The needle will be removed and pressure will be applied to the puncture site to stop any bleeding.
5. The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
6. In the lab, the sample will be analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer, which counts and classifies the different types of blood cells, including basophils.
7. The results of the test will be reported as the absolute basophil count, which is the number of basophils per microliter of blood.

 

Absolute Basophil Count Test Result

ABC (cells/μL)	Interpretation
Less than 20	Low basophil count, may indicate bone marrow suppression
20 - 100	Normal range
100 - 200	Mild to moderate elevation, may indicate allergy or infection
Greater than 200	High basophil count, may indicate chronic inflammation

 

Absolute Basophil Count Test Report

ABC Test Report PDF

 

Absolute Basophil Count ABC Test Normal Report

Absolute Basophil Count ABC Normal Test Report

Absolute Basophil Count ABC Test Normal Result Report PDF

 

Absolute Basophil Count ABC Test Abnormal Report

Absolute Basophil Count ABC Abnormal Test Report

Absolute Basophil Count ABC Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

 

What if absolute basophil count is 0

• Basophil counts that fall outside range or if your absolute basophil count is 0 it may be a sign you have basopenia.
• Basopenia means that your body isn't producing enough basophil cells and basophilia means that you have too many basophil cells.
• If you have basopenia, your basophil cells may be working to fight an infection or allergic reaction or your thyroid gland might be overactive (hyperthyroidism).

 

Why is ABC done?

• An Absolute Basophil Count is needed when an individual is affected by an allergy or hypothyroidism.
• In such cases, the basophils fight against the allergens, and when the thyroid levels go high like in the case of hypothyroidism, or too low as in hyperthyroidism.

 

What does it mean when your Absolute Basophil Count is high?

A high absolute basophil count, also known as basophilia, means that there are an increased number of basophils in the bloodstream. Basophilia is not a diagnosis in itself, but it can indicate an underlying medical condition.

Several factors can cause an increase in the absolute basophil count, including:

1. Allergic reactions: Basophils are involved in the body's immune response to allergens, and an allergic reaction can cause an increase in their numbers.
2. Chronic inflammation: Chronic inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases or infections can lead to an increase in the number of basophils.
3. Myeloproliferative disorders: Certain blood disorders, such as chronic myeloid leukemia or polycythemia vera, can cause an increase in the number of basophils.
4. Hypothyroidism: In some cases, a high absolute basophil count can be associated with an underactive thyroid gland.

 

Causes of High Absolute Basophil Count

Here is a table outlining some common causes of a high absolute basophil count:

Cause	Explanation
Acute infections	During acute infections, the number of basophils in the bloodstream may decrease.
Stress	Stress hormones can suppress the production of basophils.
Hyperthyroidism	In some cases, a low absolute basophil count can be associated with an overactive thyroid gland.
Treatment with certain medications	Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can cause a decrease in the number of basophils.

 

Summary

• It's important to note that a high absolute basophil count does not necessarily mean that a person has an underlying medical condition.
• In some cases, it may be a normal variation in the blood counts.
• However, if a high absolute basophil count is detected, further testing may be necessary to identify the underlying cause.

 

What does it mean when your Absolute Basophil Count is low?

A low absolute basophil count, also known as basopenia, means that there are a decreased number of basophils in the bloodstream. Basopenia is not a diagnosis in itself, but it can indicate an underlying medical condition.

Several factors can cause a decrease in the absolute basophil count, including:

1. Acute infections: During acute infections, the number of basophils in the bloodstream may decrease.
2. Stress: Stress hormones can suppress the production of basophils.
3. Hyperthyroidism: In some cases, a low absolute basophil count can be associated with an overactive thyroid gland.
4. Treatment with certain medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can cause a decrease in the number of basophils.

 

Causes of Low Absolute Basophil Count

Here is a table outlining some common causes of a low absolute basophil count:

Cause	Explanation
Allergic reactions	Basophils are involved in the body's immune response to allergens, and an allergic reaction can cause an increase in their numbers.
Chronic inflammation	Chronic inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases or infections can lead to an increase in the number of basophils.
Myeloproliferative disorders	Certain blood disorders, such as chronic myeloid leukemia or polycythemia vera, can cause an increase in the number of basophils.
Hypothyroidism	In some cases, a high absolute basophil count can be associated with an underactive thyroid gland.

Summary

• It's important to note that a low absolute basophil count does not necessarily mean that a person has an underlying medical condition.
• In some cases, it may be a normal variation in the blood counts.
• However, if a low absolute basophil count is detected along with other abnormal blood counts or symptoms, further testing may be necessary to identify the underlying cause.

 

Specimen Requirments For ABC Test

Here are the specimen requirements for ABC Test.

Specimen	Whole blood
Volume	Tube fill capacity
Container	Lavender-top (EDTA) tube.

 

ABC Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the Absolute Basophil Count (ABC) Test.

• Absolute Basophil Count (ABC) Test is not a stand-alone diagnostic test but is typically performed as part of a complete blood count (CBC) panel.
• The test results can be influenced by factors such as recent infections, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions.
• ABC may not provide a comprehensive assessment of specific allergic or inflammatory conditions.
• There can be variations in the reference ranges for ABC among different laboratories, making interpretation challenging.
• The test results should be evaluated in conjunction with other clinical findings for an accurate diagnosis.

 

ABC Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the Absolute Basophil Count Test.

• Risk factors that can affect the Absolute Basophil Count (ABC) test include underlying allergic or inflammatory conditions.
• Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can suppress basophil production and lead to lower ABC.
• Infections, particularly viral infections, can cause an increase in basophil count.
• Autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammatory diseases may impact ABC levels.
• Genetic factors or specific medical conditions can also influence basophil count and function.

 

Doctor Recommendations After ABC Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after ABC Test.

Absolute Basophil Count	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Visit
High	Hematologist	Possible blood disorder
Normal	General Physician	No specific reason
Low	Hematologist	Potential immune system issue

 

ABC Test Price

Here are the estimated Absolute Basophil Count (ABC) Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	100 - 200
New Delhi	100 - 200
Bangalore	100 - 200
Hyderabad	100 - 200
Kolkata	100 - 150
Pune	100 - 150
Lucknow	100 - 200
Noida	100 - 200
Surat	100 - 150
Gurugram	100 - 150
Patna	100 - 200
Chennai	100 - 150
Jaipur	100 - 200
Ahmedabad	100 - 150

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

In summary, ABC Test is a type of blood test that measures the number of basophils, a type of white blood cell, in a person's blood to help in a person's health status and is useful in diagnosing a range of medical conditions. We would recommend visiting the Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• The Absolute Basophil Count - NCBI [1].
• Basophil - Wikipedia [2].
• Basophil Blood Cell Count Is Associated With Enhanced Factor II Plasma Coagulant Activity and Increased Risk of Mortality in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease: Not Only Neutrophils as Prognostic Marker in Ischemic Heart Disease [3].