Other names: Basophil (absolute)
Basophils are a type of white blood cell (WBC) that plays a key role in your immune system's response to allergens, pathogens, and parasites. Although they make up less than 1% of your white blood cells, they are essential for regulating inflammatory reactions, particularly in allergic responses.
Basophils contain granules filled with enzymes like histamine and heparin, which are released during immune reactions. These chemicals help:
When exposed to an allergen, basophils release histamine, which widens blood vessels to increase blood flow to the affected area. This results in classic allergy symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy skin
- Watery eyes
Basophils also work closely with immunoglobulin E (IgE), a specialized antibody that binds to basophils and mast cells. When IgE encounters an allergen, it signals these cells to release histamine and serotonin, intensifying the body's inflammatory response.
White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in your blood and lymphatic system to defend against infections. There are three main types of white blood cells:
Histamine is a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels to allow more immune cells to reach the site of an infection or allergic reaction. Signs of histamine release include:
Heparin is a natural blood thinner that prevents clotting. This ensures blood flows freely during an immune response.
Basophils develop in the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream. When an immune response is needed, they migrate to damaged tissues to help with healing.
Basophils are one of the least common white blood cells, making up only 0–1% of total WBCs.
A normal basophil count on a complete blood count (CBC) test typically falls between:
0.0–0.2 thousand cells per cubic millimeter (K/cumm or x10E3/uL)
Since laboratory methods can vary, a single test result should not be used for diagnosis. Always consult your doctor to interpret your results in the context of your overall health.
- Basophils are essential white blood cells involved in allergic reactions and immune defense.
- They release histamine and heparin, which regulate inflammation and blood clotting.
- Basophils work with IgE antibodies to fight allergens and infections.
- A complete blood count (CBC) test is the only way to measure basophil levels.
Understanding your basophil count can help diagnose allergies, infections, and immune-related conditions. If your levels are abnormal, discuss further testing with your healthcare provider.
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Basophilia refers to an elevated basophil count, which can signal various immune responses and underlying health conditions. It is typically defined as:
- More than 300 basophils per microliter of blood
- More than 2% of total white blood cells in peripheral blood
- Allergic reactions – Pollen, insect venom, food allergies
- Parasitic infections – Including helminths (worms)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
- Autoimmune disorders – Such as collagen vascular diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Blood disorders – Polycythemia vera (a condition causing excessive blood cell production)
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) – A type of blood cancer linked to persistently high basophils
- Iron deficiency anemia – Moderate increases in basophils have been reported
- Diabetes – Both type 1 and type 2
- Hypothyroidism – Underactive thyroid function can elevate basophils
- Mild increases are often temporary and resolve on their own.
- Basophilia is rarely an isolated issue—it usually appears alongside other blood abnormalities.
- Severe or persistent basophilia may require further medical evaluation.
A healthcare provider will assess your basophil levels using:
- Complete blood count (CBC) – Measures total basophil count.
- Peripheral blood smear – Examines basophils under a microscope.
- Additional tests – Based on symptoms, including thyroid function tests, allergy panels, or bone marrow biopsies (if leukemia is suspected).
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Allergies → Antihistamines or allergen avoidance
- Infections → Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Hypothyroidism → Thyroid hormone replacement
- Blood disorders & cancers → Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies
- Basophilia is an increase in basophil count, often due to allergies, infections, autoimmune disorders, or blood conditions.
- A mild increase is usually not a concern, but persistently high levels require further investigation.
- Diagnosis involves blood tests, and treatment is based on the underlying cause.
If your basophil levels are elevated, consulting a healthcare professional is essential for determining the cause and appropriate treatment.
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Basopenia refers to a decrease in basophils, a type of white blood cell involved in immune response and inflammation. While low basophil levels are common and often not a cause for concern, extremely low levels may indicate an underlying health issue.
Several conditions and factors can lead to a decrease in basophils, including:
Acute infections – Particularly bacterial (pyogenic) infections that cause a surge in other immune cells, reducing basophil count.
Hyperthyroidism – Overactive thyroid function can suppress basophil levels.
Severe stress reactions – Including pregnancy, heart attack (myocardial infarction), or intense physical stress.
Prolonged corticosteroid therapy – Steroid medications suppress the immune system, lowering basophil levels.
Chemotherapy or radiation – Cancer treatments can deplete white blood cells, including basophils.
Hereditary absence of basophils – A rare genetic condition where basophils are naturally low or absent.
Drug-induced reactions – Some medications, including chemotherapy drugs and corticosteroids, can lead to basopenia.
A slightly low basophil count is generally normal, especially in healthy individuals. However, extremely low levels could indicate:
Severe infections or allergies – The immune system may be eliminating white blood cells faster than the body can replace them.
Cancer or chemotherapy effects – Cancer itself or its treatments can deplete basophils.
Pregnancy-related changes – Some women experience lower basophil levels during pregnancy due to shifts in immune function.
If basopenia is linked to an underlying condition, treating the root cause can help restore normal basophil levels. Potential treatment approaches include:
Avoiding allergens or taking antihistamines to reduce allergic reactions.
Adjusting medication dosage or timing under medical supervision.
Managing underlying conditions such as hyperthyroidism or infections.
Supporting immune function through a balanced diet, stress management, and proper medical care.
If your basophil levels are abnormally low, your healthcare provider can help determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
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I have been using Healthmatters.io since 2021. I travel all over the world and use different doctors and health facilities. This site has allowed me to consolidate all my various test results over 14 years in one place. And every doctor that I show this to has been impressed. Because with any health professional I talk to, I can pull up historical results in seconds. It is invaluable. Even going back to the same doctor, they usually do not have the historical results from their facility in a graph format. That has been very helpful.
Karin
Advanced Plan Member since 2020
What fantastic service and great, easy-to-follow layouts! I love your website; it makes it so helpful to see patterns in my health data. It's truly a pleasure to use. I only wish the NHS was as organized and quick as Healthmatters.io. You've set a new standard for health tracking!
Paul
Healthmatters Pro Member since 2024
As a PRO member and medical practitioner, Healthmatters.io has been an invaluable tool for tracking my clients' data. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to monitor trends and spot patterns over time. The ability to customize reports and charts helps me present information clearly to my clients, improving communication and outcomes. It's streamlined my workflow, saving me time and providing insights at a glance. Highly recommended for any practitioner looking for a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to track patient labs!
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ABSOLUTE BAND NEUTROPHILS, ABSOLUTE METAMYELOCYTES, ABSOLUTE MYELOCYTES, Atypical Lymphocytes, Atypical Lymphocytes (x10*9/L), Band Neutrophils (%), Basophils (Absolute), Basophils (Percent), Eosinophils "Eos" (Absolute), Eosinophils "Eos" (Percent), Lymphocytes "Lymphs" (Absolute), Lymphocytes "Lymphs" (Percent), METAMYELOCYTES (%), MID#, MID%, Monocytes (Absolute), Monocytes (Percent), Myelocytes, Neut/Lymph Ratio, Neutrophils (Absolute), Neutrophils (Percent), Polymorphs, Polymorphs (Absolute), Segmented Neutrophils, Segmented Neutrophils (Percent)
