What is this test?
- This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to measure the levels of eosinophils in the blood. Eosinophils are disease-combating white blood cells that play a very important role in immune response. Eosinophils increase when there are certain infections, allergies, or other health conditions.
Why is this test performed?
- This test is performed:
- To help the doctor in diagnosing an infection in the body
- To help the doctor in diagnosing an allergic reaction and its severity
- To help the doctor in diagnosing an early Cushing’s disease
- To help the doctor in diagnosing an acute hypereosinophilic syndrome
- It also helps in diagnosing the following conditions:
- Collagen disease
- Hodgkin’s disease
- Myeloproliferative diseases
- Brucellosis.
- Which medicines might increase my eosinophil count?
- Interferon
- Antibiotics
- Tranquilizers
- Laxatives (psyllium)
- Amphetamines
- How to prepare for this test?
No special preparations are required for this test. Inform your doctor about the use of blood thinning medicines such as warfarin. Wear a short-sleeved shirt to aid the collection of sample.
- What are the reasons for sample rejection?
- Clotted specimen
- Hemolysis
- Very small sample
- Dilution or contamination
- What are the risks of this test?
Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- What are the symptoms of allergy?
Following symptoms may suggest an allergic reaction:
- Coughing
- Nasal congestion
- Red itchy eyes
- Asthma
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Swelling
- Abdominal pain.
Normal range: Less than 500 cells per microliter.
Interpretation of test results:
Causes of High Eosinophil count:
- Allergic reaction
- Autoimmune disease
- Parasitic infection
- Eczema
- Asthma
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome
- fungal infection
- Adrenal gland deficiency.
Causes of Low Eosinophil count:
- Alcohol intoxication
- Steroid (cortisol) imbalance.
