Blood Health
Absolute Basophils
What This Marker Tells Us
Measures basophils, the rarest white blood cells that release histamine during allergic reactions and play roles in immunity and inflammation.
Why It Matters
Basophils are the least common white blood cells, comprising less than 1% of WBC. They release histamine and other mediators during allergic reactions, contributing to symptoms like itching, swelling, and bronchoconstriction. Basophils also participate in parasite defense and chronic inflammation. Elevated basophils (basophilia) may indicate allergic conditions, myeloproliferative disorders (especially chronic myeloid leukemia), inflammatory conditions, or rarely parasitic infections. Because basophils are normally so rare, even small absolute increases can be significant. Low basophils are common and usually not clinically significant. Persistent basophilia warrants investigation for blood disorders, particularly when accompanied by other CBC abnormalities.
How to Interpret Your Trends
Normal absolute basophil count is approximately 0-200 cells/μL (0-2% of WBC). Basophilia (above 200 cells/μL or 2%) may indicate allergic conditions, hypothyroidism, ulcerative colitis, chronic myeloid leukemia, polycythemia vera, or myelofibrosis. Because normal basophil counts are so low, even modest increases warrant attention if persistent. Basophils near zero are common and typically insignificant. Very high basophils (above 1,000 cells/μL) raise strong concern for myeloproliferative disorders requiring hematologic evaluation.
What Influences This Marker
Basophils increase with allergic conditions, hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic myeloid leukemia, polycythemia vera, myelofibrosis, and viral infections (chickenpox, smallpox). They may increase with iron deficiency and after splenectomy. Basophils decrease with acute infections, hyperthyroidism, steroids, and acute allergic reactions (temporarily, as they degranulate and release their contents). Pregnancy and ovulation can cause small increases.
How Your Team Uses It
Your coach addresses underlying inflammatory and allergic patterns through anti-inflammatory dietary strategies, identifies potential food triggers if elevated basophils accompany allergic symptoms, and supports overall immune regulation through balanced nutrition and stress management.
Related Signals We Also Review
Total WBC, eosinophils, IgE, thyroid function, other CBC parameters, and peripheral blood smear for comprehensive evaluation when basophils are elevated.