test Details

Allergic reaction, Chickenpox, Hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism, Leukaemia

Doctors prescribe Absolute Basophil Count (ABC) Tests when the patient has an allergy or hypothyroidism. They also act when the thyroid levels hike (in hypothyroidism) or plummet (in hyperthyroidism).

Basophils work when a person suffers from allergies, runny nose, watery eyes, rashes, sneezing etc., which are a few symptoms of allergy. The doctor suggests the Absolute Basophils Count Test for thyroid irregularities as well.

An Absolute Basophils Count Test measures basophil count in the whole blood composition which is abnormally increased in some diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs, tumours, autoimmune diseases and allergies. Since an ABC test measures basophil count in the blood, which is, in turn, responsible for producing an important antibody IgE, it also helps in evaluating the immunity of the body.

As per studies, parasites transmitted by soil in the intestines have affected almost 21% of the total Indian population. Asthma and thyroid irregularities make up 3 % and 10%. Such a high percentage calls for an active blood test to measure basophils, which provides clear signs of the abnormal conditions and the Absolute Basophils Count test is one such tool.

Other names of Absolute Basophils Count test

1. Baso Test (Blood)
2. Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
3. White Blood Cell Count (WBC) Test gives a better picture of the basophils in the blood.
4. Basophil Activation Test (BAT) is used to check for specific allergens.
5. ABC Test

What does the Absolute Basophils Count test measure and whom is this prescribed for?

The Absolute Basophils Count test measures the levels of basophils in the blood. The following conditions show the abnormal value of basophil:

• Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
• Allergic reactions
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Inflammatory Disorders

For people with such complaints, amongst other tests, doctors prescribe the Baso Test.

Some disease conditions for which this test is prescribed are:

• Asthma
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn’s Disease
• Basopenia
• Basophilia
• Lymphoma
• Essential thrombocythemia
• Myelofibrosis
• Polycythemia vera, a slow-growing blood cancer in which your bone marrow makes too many red blood cells
• Anaphylaxis
• Urticaria (hives)
• Angioedema (severe, generalised swelling of the skin).

Following a diagnosis, once the treatment is initiated, the ABC test may be prescribed every six months. This helps doctors track the level of basophils in blood. The results of the test may decide whether to continue the same treatment or modify it.

The White Blood Cell Count Test is prescribed to both males and females, irrespective of their age. You need to tell your doctor about all the ongoing medications.

An Absolute Basophils Count test evaluates blood composition. A normal basophil percentage lies between 0.5% - 1% of the total white blood cell count (WBC).

Your healthcare provider will collate your lab test results with reference values. ABC test reports show if any of your results fall outside the range of expected values. By doing so, doctors identify probable conditions or diseases.

The absolute basophil count is measured by multiplying the basophils per cent by the total number of white blood cells. The ABC test results show when your basophils are abnormally high or low.

Basophilia is a sign of chronic inflammation in which too many white blood cells are produced. The following can cause high basophil levels:

• Hypothyroidism: In this case, the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. It causes your bodily functions to slow down. Symptoms are a puffy face, brittle hair, weight gain, inability to feel comfortable when the temperature drops, coarse skin, hoarse voice and constipation.
• Autoimmune inflammation: Immune system attacks your own body in this condition. Symptoms are muscle pain, fever, inflamed joints and hair loss.
• Myeloproliferative disorders: When too many red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets are produced in the bone marrow, it leads to these disorders. These disorders can progress into cancer of white blood cells (leukaemia). They are:

• Polycythemia Rubra Vera (overproduction of red blood cells). Symptoms are feeling tired, weak and short of breath.
• Myelofibrosis (fibrous tissues replace blood-producing cells in the bone marrow). It can cause anaemia, oddly-shaped red blood cells and an enlarged spleen. Symptoms are an abnormal amount of bleeding or bleeding too easily, bone pain, feeling tired and feverish.
• Thrombocythemia: It causes an overproduction of platelets, leading to blood clotting or less commonly, extra bleeding. Some symptoms include redness and tingling on your hands and feet. You may also have cold fingertips.

Basopenia occurs when white blood cells are less in number. The following can cause your basophil level to be low:

• Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone in this condition. This causes your bodily functions to speed up. Symptoms are increased blood pressure, weight loss, increased heart rate and excessive sweating.
• Infections: When bacteria or other harmful substances enter an injured part of the body, infection happens. Symptoms range from pus and pain when touched to diarrhoea and fever.
• Acute hypersensitivity reactions: The body reacts to a substance to form an acute allergic reaction. Symptoms are runny nose, watery eyes, itchy hives and red rashes.

In extreme situations, symptoms can become life-threatening. If you have an anaphylactic reaction and are unable to breathe, emergency medical attention is necessary.

The following conditions might alter the result of your test:

• Pregnancy
• A recent Infection
• Corticosteroid therapy
• HIV or AIDS
• A recent surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Anxiety

Doctors consider the complete number of white blood cell types rather than one. Basophilia and basopenia only form an initial stage of a diagnosis.

The results of the Absolute Basophils Count Test are based on the analysis of a blood sample.

Test Preparation

The Absolute Basophils Count test doesn't need any special preparation. But, it is advisable that you consult a doctor before taking the test if you are on drugs. Some drugs interfere with the normal count of basophils and your doctor is the best person to guide you about this.

Absolute basophils count test inclusions: What parameters are included?

The Absolute Basophils Count test includes the following parameters:

• The range of value of total basophils in the blood.
• Differential blood count of Basophils.

This test covers only these two parameters. These values give an idea about the range of basophils in the blood. They also tell us if the abnormal count is affecting the body.

A higher blood Basophils count indicates bone marrow basophilia. And a lower count suggests longer survival rates.

How frequently should you take this test?

The test is repeated every six months when a person is on medication for an abnormal Basophil count. The test helps check the effectiveness of the current treatment. It is only done on-demand with a doctor’s prescription.