Blood Health
Basophils %
What This Marker Tells Us
Measures basophils as a proportion of total WBC; normally 0-2%, any significant elevation may indicate allergic conditions or blood disorders.
Why It Matters
Basophil percentage reflects the relative abundance of these rare white cells. Normal is 0-2% (often 0-1%). Because basophils are so rare, even small percentage increases can be significant. High basophil percentage (above 2%) may indicate allergies, hypothyroidism, inflammatory conditions, or myeloproliferative disorders (especially chronic myeloid leukemia). Like other percentages, this can be elevated relatively or absolutely, so absolute count should always be checked. Basophils near 0% are common and normal. Persistent elevation above 2-3% warrants investigation, particularly if accompanied by other CBC abnormalities suggesting blood disorders.
How to Interpret Your Trends
Normal basophil percentage: 0-2% of WBC (often 0-1%). Elevation above 2% may indicate allergic conditions, hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, or myeloproliferative disorders. Basophils above 5% raise strong concern for chronic myeloid leukemia or other blood disorders, especially with other abnormalities. Basophils at 0% are common and typically insignificant. Because normal is so low, even modest increases warrant attention if persistent. Always check absolute count.
What Influences This Marker
Basophil percentage increases with allergic conditions, hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic myeloid leukemia, polycythemia vera, myelofibrosis, and relatively when other WBC types decrease. Percentage may increase with iron deficiency. It decreases with hyperthyroidism, acute infections, steroids, and relatively when neutrophils or other cells markedly increase. Percentage generally parallels absolute count.
How Your Team Uses It
Your coach addresses basophil elevation through the same anti-inflammatory dietary strategies as other inflammatory markers, identifying potential food triggers, and supporting overall immune regulation through balanced nutrition and stress management.
Related Signals We Also Review
Absolute basophils, eosinophils, total WBC, IgE, thyroid function, other CBC parameters, and peripheral blood smear when basophils are elevated.