Blood
Basophils (Absolute)
CONVERT & COMPARE
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×10⁹/L
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cells/µL
About Basophils (Absolute)
Basophils are a small group of white blood cells made in your bone marrow. They are part of your immune system and are best known for their role in allergic reactions and in fighting some kinds of parasites.
Basophils carry chemicals such as histamine inside small granules. When the cells are activated, they release these chemicals, which causes the swelling, itching, and breathing changes that you can feel during an allergic reaction or asthma attack.
Basophils make up only about 1% of your white blood cells, so the absolute basophil count is normally a very small number. Even small changes can sometimes give a clue to what is happening with your immune system or your bone marrow.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Useful for
Look into allergic reactions, asthma flares, and skin conditions that involve allergy-type responses, such as hives.
Help look for parasitic infections, which can sometimes raise the basophil count.
Help diagnose and follow certain bone marrow conditions, including some chronic blood disorders such as chronic myeloid leukemia, where basophils may be unusually high.
Investigate long-lasting inflammation, including conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Help check the cause of an abnormal white blood cell count found on a complete blood count (CBC) with differential.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Interpretation
A higher than normal absolute basophil count (basophilia) may be linked to allergies, asthma, parasitic infections, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), long-lasting inflammation, or certain bone marrow disorders such as chronic myeloid leukemia.
A lower than normal absolute basophil count (basopenia) is hard to detect because basophils are normally so few. It can be seen with severe allergic reactions, infections, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), pregnancy, or after taking steroid medicines.
Because basophils are normally a very small share of white blood cells, small changes in the count are usually viewed alongside the rest of your CBC and your symptoms. If your result is unusual, your provider may repeat the test or order other tests to find the cause.
For general wellness information only. Talk to a clinician about your specific results.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
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Sources
Last updated 2026-05-02
This page presents source-specific reference data and sourced explanations. For general wellness information only. This is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment of any condition, talk to a qualified clinician.