Basophils are white blood cells that are part of the body’s defense system against viruses and bacteria.
The measurement of basophil polymorphonuclear cells, called “basocythemia” or “basocytosis”, is recommended in many situations involving immunity, particularly in cases of infection or allergy. It is done by taking a blood sample from the crease of the elbow (it is not necessary to be fasting).
Definition: what are basophils?
Leukocytes (or white blood cells) are cells of the immune system. Among them are basophilic polymorphonuclear cells, also called basophilic granulocytes. However, the term “polymorphonuclear cells” is inappropriate because these cells have only one nucleus, and not several, even though the opposite was long believed due to the lobed nature of their nucleus. The other polymorphonuclear cells are neutrophils and eosinophils. They are called “basophilic” because of a characteristic visible under light microscopy: after adding the usual vital dyes, these cells turn blue.
What is the role of basophils?
Basophils activate the inflammatory reaction and intervene in allergic reactions, by releasing histamine, which causes the usual symptoms of allergies. Like all white blood cells, they intervene in the body’s defense against external aggressions, particularly infections.
What are the normal values for basophils?
Basocytosis should be less than 0.15 G/L, or 0.5 to 1% of all leukocytes, sometimes even 0% in some people.
What causes low basophil counts?
A decrease in the number of basophils, called “basocytopenia” does not really have diagnostic value but can be observed during a acute stress, Cushing’s disease, taking certain medications (corticosteroids, ACTH or estrogen-progestins), of a allergic or anaphylactic shock, chronic urticaria, hyperthyroidism or infection.
What causes high basophil counts?
► A moderate increase in basophils (2 to 5%, with or without hyperleukocytosis), is mainly observed duringallergic or inflammatory conditions (dermatoses, asthma, immediate hypersensitivity reactions), or a hypothyroidism, various endocrine diseases, ulcerative colitis, juvenile chronic arthritis, viral infections (chickenpox), estrogen administration, hyperlipidemia, certain cancersor of the Hodgkin’s disease.
► A strong increase (more than 5%) or very strong basophilic polymorphonuclear cells are observed rather during the myeloproliferative syndromes or acute leukemia.
When to worry about an abnormal level of basophils?
When basophils are greater than 5%it is advisable to discuss it with your doctor. In all cases, it is up to him, based on other known elements, to make a diagnosis linked to an increase or decrease in the level of basophils in the blood. “The results should be interpreted taking into account clinical observations.other blood count results and variations in results over time.”
