What are Eosinophils?
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell (leukocytes) that protect your body from parasites, allergens, foreign bacteria and outside organisms. Eosinophils are larger than most cells and make up less than 5% of all white blood cells in your body. An increased number of eosinophils may mean your body is fighting an infection or allergic reaction. Very high numbers may indicate a serious health condition.
Eosinophils have a role in defending your body from:
- fungal infections
- bacterial infections
- viral infections
- parasites, such as worms
In the immune system, eosinophils destroy invading germs like viruses, bacteria, or parasites, such as hookworms. They also have a role in the inflammatory response, especially if an allergy is involved. Eosinophils significantly contribute to inflammation related to allergies, eczema, and asthma. Inflammation helps isolate and control the immune response at an infection site but causes a side effect of tissue damage around it. Allergies are immune responses that often involve chronic inflammation.
What are white blood cells?
There are three types of white blood cells, all with various functions to help your immune system, including granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. Eosinophils are one of three types of granulocytes, along with neutrophils and basophils. Eosinophils prevent foreign organisms from growing inside of host cells (parasites).
White blood cells are an important part of your immune system. They help protect you from bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Your bone marrow produces all five kinds of white blood cells. It continually replenishes the white blood cell supply. Each white blood cell lives in the bloodstream for several hours to days.
The number and type of each white blood cell in your body can give doctors a better understanding of your health. Elevated levels often mean your body is sending more white blood cells to fight off infections.
What is an Eos Count (Absolute)?
An Eosinophil count (the absolute number) is a blood test typically ordered as part of a white blood cell count (WBC) with a differential. This test shows how many of each type of blood cell are circulating in your bloodstream. A doctor may order a WBC and a complete blood count (CBC) to get a good picture of your overall health.
Knowing your eosinophil count can help doctors determine how many eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, are in your bloodstream. A high number may mean that your immune system is fighting some kind of infection from a virus, bacteria, or fungus or experiencing an allergic reaction. It may also be a sign of another health condition, such as an autoimmune disease.
Why do I need an Eosinophil count?
A doctor may discover atypical eosinophil levels through a WBC with differential. A WBC differential test is often done alongside a CBC and determines the percentage of each type of white blood cell in your blood. This test will show if you have a high or low count of white blood cells. White blood cell counts can vary if you have certain diseases or health conditions. Your healthcare provider may order an Eosinophil blood test if you're experiencing symptoms that indicate you may have elevated eosinophil levels, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Fever
- Rash
- Runny nose (particularly if allergy-related)
- Weight loss
If your healthcare provider suspects you have a certain condition or disease, they may order the Eos blood test to check eosinophil levels.
Conditions that can cause elevated eosinophils include:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Certain cancers (e.g., Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia)
- Drug sensitivities
- Eczema
- Parasitic infection
What are the functions of Eosinophils?
Eosinophil cells contain small sand-like granules that release a toxic protein to destroy and consume invading organisms. Eosinophils help your body defend itself from:
- Infections by parasites (strongyloidiasis, pinworms).
- Organisms that grow on other cells (intracellular bacteria).
- Exposure to allergens (immediate hypersensitivity reactions).
Eosinophils increase inflammation to help the body fight off infection and disease. But having too many eosinophils for a long period of time can cause chronic inflammation, which may lead to tissue damage and/or chronic health conditions.
Where are Eosinophils located?
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that lives in your body’s tissues.
The most common place to find eosinophils include:
- Blood
- Bone marrow
- Fat (adipose tissue).
- Lungs
- Skin
- Stomach
What do Eosinophils look like?
- Eosinophils are microscopic cells that are spherical. The cells are clear in your body but under a microscope, an acidic dye changes the cell’s color to be examined. The dye changes the cell to a purple or pink color.
- Eosinophils are larger than other cells and stand out because of their two-lobed nucleus, which looks like two separate raindrops connected by a thread. The nucleus contains the cell’s DNA and floats in a protein that appears sandy in texture (granules).
How many eosinophils are in your body?
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. White blood cells make up 1% of the cells in your body. There are less than 5% of eosinophils circulating among white blood cells in healthy adults.
What is the normal reference range of Eosinophils:
A normal absolute eosinophil count ranges from 0 to 400 cells per microliter (<0.4 x 109/L).
An additional note on reference ranges:
The percentage (%) reference ranges for Eosinophils has not been officially established by most laboratories. If ranges have not been established by your laboratory, please refer to your Eosinophils absolute count.
References:
Eosinophilia. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/eosinophilic-disorders/eosinophilia. Accessed Aug. 15, 2019.
Weller PF, et al. Eosinophil biology and causes of eosinophilia. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Aug. 15, 2019.
Jameson JL, et al., eds. Disorders of granulocytes and monocytes. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 20th ed. The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2018. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Aug. 15, 2019.
McPherson RA, et al., eds. Leukocytic disorders. In: Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 15, 2019.
Taylor MR, Keane CT, O'Connor P, Mulvihill E, Holland C. The expanded spectrum of toxocaral disease. Lancet. 1988 Mar 26; 1(8587):692-695. PubMed 2895221
Limaye AP, Abrams JS, Silver JE, Ottesen EA, Nutman TB. Regulation of parasite-induced eosinophilia: selectively increased interleukin 5 production in helminth-infected patients. J Exp Med. 1990 Jul 1; 172(1):399-402. PubMed 2193099
Colby TV, Carrington CB. Infiltrative lung disease. In Thurlbeck WM, ed. Pathology of the Lung. New York, NY: Thieme Medical Publishers Inc;1988:425-517.
Pavli P, Doe WF. The alimentary tract in disorders of the immune system. In Whitehead R, ed. Gastrointestinal and Oesophageal Pathology. Edinburgh, Scotland: Churchill Livingstone; 1989:187.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome−New Mexico. MMWR. 1989 Nov 17; 38(45):765-767. PubMed 2509886
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome and L-tryptophan-containing products−New Mexico, Minnesota, Oregon and New York. MMWR. 1989 Nov 24; 38(46):785-788. PubMed 2509891
Kilbourne EM, Rigau-Perez JG, Heath CW Jr, Zack MM, Falk H, Martin-Marcos M, de Carlos A. Clinical epidemiology of toxic-oil syndrome: Manifestations of a new illness. N Engl J Med. 1983 Dec 8; 309(23):1408-1414. PubMed 6633617
Keeping track of your medical data and laboratory results while understanding what they mean empowers positive health outcomes.
Keeping track of your medical data and lab results while understanding what they mean empowers positive health outcomes.
Save 10% off any plan with promo-code:
HEALTH10
What is a high eosinophil count?
A high eosinophil count is called eosinophilia and is classified by severity into three categories:
Mild: 500–1,500 eosinophil cells per mL
Moderate: 1,500–5,000 eosinophil cells per mL
Severe: greater than 5,000 eosinophil cells per mL
Eosinophilia can occur due to any of the following:
- Infection by parasitic worms
- Autoimmune disease
- Severe allergic reactions
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Seasonal allergies
- Leukemia and certain other cancers
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Scarlet fever
- Lupus
- Crohn’s disease
- Significant drug reaction
- Organ transplant rejection
- Adrenal gland deficiency
- Hypereosinophilic syndromes (group of disorders characterized by high eosinophil counts and organ damage from eosinophilia)
- Parasitic infection
- Vasculitis
Having a very high number of eosinophils can be an emergency. Untreated, it may cause damage to multiple organs.
Does a high eosinophil count indicate cancer?
Although rare, having a consistently high eosinophil count can be an indication of cancer in your body. A high eosinophil count could relate to several cancers including:
- Breast
- Colorectal
- Cervical
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Ovarian
- Prostate
If your healthcare provider suspects cancer, they will perform further tests to diagnose and treat the condition, like a biopsy, additional blood tests or imaging tests.
What are common treatments for a high eosinophil count?
- Treatment for eosinophilia depends on the cause. Your healthcare provider may order additional tests to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Treatment for conditions with a high eosinophil count varies depending on the location and severity of the diagnosis.
- Treatment to reduce a high eosinophil count can additionally include:
Avoiding certain types of foods for esophagitis including fatty, spicy and acidic foods.
Stopping or changing the dose of a medication if you had a drug reaction.
Taking anti-inflammatory medications.
Most high eosinophil count conditions are chronic and require long-term treatment and management.
How can I keep my eosinophils healthy?
Take steps to keep your eosinophil cells healthy by:
- Avoiding allergens.
- Eating a well-balanced diet
- Limiting alcohol intake.
- Practicing proper hygiene like washing your hands regularly.
Sign up
Sign up now and create your account. Use code HEALTH10 for a 10% discount on any plan. Don't miss out!
Organize
Bring all results from any laboratories to your account. You can enter your tests yourself, or we'll be happy to organize your files—whether in PDF, JPEG, CSV, or even screenshots.
Learn and improve
Once your information is stored in your account, dive into a wealth of insights about your results. If you have any more questions, we are here to answer them.
An abnormally low eosinophil count can be the result of:
- Intoxication from alcohol
- Excessive production of cortisol, like in Cushing’s disease. Cortisol is a hormone naturally produced by the body. Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body has too much cortisol (stress hormone) over a long period of time. High levels of cortisol suppress the immune system and may reduce eosinophil counts.
- Low eosinophil counts may also be due to the time of day. Under normal conditions, eosinophil counts are lowest in the morning and highest in the evening.
Unless alcohol abuse or Cushing’s disease is suspected, low levels of eosinophils are not usually of concern unless other white cell counts are also abnormally low. If all white cell counts are low, this can signal a problem with the bone marrow.
Long-term treatment for an underlying health condition may be necessary if your low eosinophil count does not return to normal on its own. Your body will often detect a low number of eosinophils on its own and other members of your immune system will step up to compensate for the lack of eosinophil cells.
Eosinophils are normally low in healthy adults. However, certain health conditions and medications may suppress eosinophil levels. Corticosteroids and other immune system suppressant medications can reduce the production and function of eosinophils.
Guiding our user for 10 years to promptly understand, track, and act on their laboratory results.
$15/month
for personal lab results
Cancel your subscription at any time.
$250/once
full premium version
$45/month
track your clients’ labs
Cancel your subscription at any time.
Guiding our user for 10 years to promptly understand, track, and act on their laboratory results.
Personal plans
track personal results
Professional Plan
track multiple client's results
$15/month
for personal lab results
$250/once
own it for life
$45/month
for health professionals
Complete Plan
Unlimited Plan
$15 per month
$250 full version
Are you a health professional?
Level up your lab report analysis with our Pro plan, built for health practitioners like you.
Health Business Account
$45/month
Cancel your subscription at any time.
Unlock additional Pro plans when you sign up.
Unlock Your Health Journey with Healthmatters.io! Ever wished for a one-stop digital health haven for all your lab tests? Look no further! Healthmatters.io is your personalized health dashboard, bringing together test reports from any lab. Say goodbye to scattered results—organize and centralize your lab data effortlessly. Dive into the details of each biomarker and gain insights into the meaning behind your medical test data.
Join the community of thousands who've transformed the way they understand their lab results. Experience the joy of having all your lab data neatly organized, regardless of where or when the tests were done.
For our professional users, Healthmatters.io is a game-changer. Revel in the intuitive tools that not only streamline analysis but also save valuable time when delving into your client's lab report history. It's not just a dashboard; it's your gateway to a smarter, more informed health journey!
Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:
You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.
If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.
While we do talk about popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too. It's as simple as this: if you can get a test done, you can upload it to Healthmatters. We can interpret results from any lab out there. If laboratories can analyze it, we can interpret it.
Still on the hunt for a specific biomarker? Just tell us, and we'll add it to our database. Anything from blood, urine, saliva, or stool can be uploaded, understood, and tracked with your Healthmatters account!
There are two ways to add your test reports to your healthmatters.io account. One option is to input the data using the data entry forms. The other method is to utilize our "Data entry service."
Our data entry forms offer an easy, fast, and free way for you to input the reports yourself. Self-entry allows you to add an unlimited number of reports at no cost. We make the self-entry process user-friendly, providing dozens of templates that pre-populate the most popular laboratory panels and offering instant feedback on entered values.
For those who prefer assistance, we offer a "Data entry service" to help you input your data. Simply attach an image or file of your lab test results, and a qualified team member from our data entry team will add the results for you. We support various file types, including PDFs, JPGs, or Excel. This service is particularly useful if you have many reports to upload or if you're too busy to handle the data entry yourself.
Our special data entry service makes it easy to add your results to your private dashboard. Just attach an image or a file of your lab test results, and our skilled data entry team will do the work for you. It's all done by humans, ensuring that your data is entered accurately and with personal care for each client.
Depending on your account, the data entry service can be included for free or come at an additional cost of $15 per report.
For users on the Complete monthly plan, the first report is entered free of charge, and each additional report incurs a fee of $15.
Unlimited account holders enjoy the entry of ten reports without charge. Subsequent reports are subject to a $15 fee per report.
Additionally, users on the Complete plan can upgrade to a yearly subscription from the account settings. The annual subscription includes a data entry service for five reports.
The Unlimited plan is a one-time purchase for $250, and it covers your account for a lifetime with no additional payments.
For the Complete plan, the cost is $15 per month. You have the flexibility to cancel it anytime through your account settings, ensuring no further payments. To avoid charges, remember to cancel at least a day before the renewal date. Once canceled, the subscription remains active until the end of the current billing cycle.
Additionally, you can upgrade to the yearly Advanced plan from within your account. The annual cost is $79, and it comes with a data entry service for five reports.
You can always upgrade to a lifetime version with a prorated price from a monthly or yearly subscription.
Simply log in and navigate to your account settings to cancel your subscription. Scroll down to locate the 'Cancel' button at the bottom of the page. Ensure you cancel at least one day before the renewal date to prevent any charges. Once cancellation is requested, the subscription remains active until the conclusion of the current billing cycle.
Unlocking the insights from your lab tests has never been this intuitive! We've crafted multiple ways for you to navigate your data, whether you're glancing at a single report or delving into a treasure trove of testing data.
1. Graph View:Dive into a visual journey with our biomarker graphs, showcasing over 40 data points. Combining years of results unveils trends, empowering you to make informed decisions. Our visualization tools make it a breeze to compare and understand changes over time, even if your results are from different labs. A search function and filters simplify the exploration of extensive data, allowing you to focus on what needs attention.
2. All Tests ViewGet a quick grasp of your test reports in minutes! Explore neatly organized reports on a timeline, highlighting crucial details like dates, critical results, and lab/panel names. Each report opens up to reveal in-depth descriptions and additional recommendations for each biomarker. The history of previous results is just a click away, and you can download a comprehensive report for deeper insights. Color-coded and user-friendly, it's designed for easy reading, understanding, and navigation.
3. Table View:For a holistic view of all biomarkers side by side, our table view is your go-to. Results are neatly displayed in a categorized and dated table, ideal for those with an extensive test history. Utilize sorting, filters, and color-coding to enhance your analysis and gain extra insights.
Experience the power of clear, organized data visualization with Healthmatters.io — your key to understanding and taking charge of your health journey!
Yes, you can download information from your account. We can compile your labs into a CSV file. To download all your labs, you can go to Account Settings, and at the bottom of the page, you will find a link to download your information.
Yes, you can print your report. To do so, navigate to "All tests" and open the report you wish to print. You'll find a print button in the right corner of the report. Click on it, and your browser's print window will open. If you prefer to print in a bigger typeface, adjust the scale using the print window settings.
A personal account is all about keeping your own lab test results in check. It's just for you and your personal use.
The professional or business account is designed for health professionals who wish to track and organize their clients' laboratory results.
To learn more about Healthmatters Pro, please refer to the professional page.
At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.
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), Monocytes (Absolute), Monocytes (Percent), Myelocytes, Neut/Lymph Ratio, Neutrophils (Absolute), Neutrophils (Percent), Polymorphs, Segmented Neutrophils, Segmented Neutrophils (Percent)
