What problem is most likely the case when a person has a high count of basophils?
Differential; Diff; White blood cell differential count The blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are any abnormal or immature cells. Basophils are a specific type of white blood cell. These cells are readily stained with basic dyes (this is where the name comes from). Note the dark grains inside the cellular fluid (cytoplasm) of this basophil. Basophils make up only a small portion of the number of white blood cells but are important parts of the body's immune response. They release histamine and other chemicals that act on the
blood vessels when the immune response is triggered. Blood transports oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and returns waste and carbon dioxide. Blood
distributes nearly everything that is carried from one area in the body to another place within the body. For example, blood transports hormones from endocrine organs to their target organs and tissues. Blood helps maintain body temperature and normal pH levels in body tissues. The protective functions of blood include clot formation and the prevention of infection. The White Blood Cell (WBC) Count measures two components; the total number of WBC's (leukocytes) and the differential count. The differential count measures the percentages of each type of leukocyte present. WBC's are composed of
granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) and non-granulocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes). White blood cells are a major component of the body's immune system. Indications for a WBC count include infectious and inflammatory diseases; leukemia and lymphoma; and bone marrow disorders. A
blood sample is needed. A laboratory specialist takes a drop of blood from your sample and smears it onto a glass slide. The smear is stained with a special dye, which helps tell the difference between various types of white blood cells. Five types of white blood cells, also called leukocytes, normally appear in the blood: A special machine or a health care provider counts the number of each type of cell. The test shows if the number of cells are in proper proportion with one another, and if there is more or less of one cell type. No special preparation is necessary. When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away. This test is done to diagnose an infection, anemia, or
leukemia. It may also be used to monitor one of these conditions or to see if treatment is working. The different types of white blood cells are given as a percentage: What Abnormal Results MeanAny infection or acute stress increases your number of white blood cells. High white blood cell counts may be due to inflammation, an immune response, or blood diseases such as leukemia. It is important to realize that an abnormal increase in one type of white blood cell can cause a decrease in the percentage of other types of white blood cells. An increased percentage of neutrophils may be due to:
A decreased percentage of neutrophils may be due to:
An increased percentage of lymphocytes may be due to:
A decreased percentage of lymphocytes may be due to:
An increased percentage of monocytes may be due to:
An increased percentage of eosinophils may be due to:
An increased percentage of basophils may be due to:
A decreased percentage of basophils may be due to:
RisksThere is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:
ReferencesBain BJ. The peripheral blood smear. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 148. Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Differential leukocyte count (diff) - peripheral blood. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:440-446. Nasr MR, Hutchison RE. Leukocytic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 34. Version InfoLast reviewed on: 1/19/2021 Reviewed by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What causes high basophils?What causes my basophil count to be too high? Several factors could cause basophilia including: Your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). Your bone marrow produces too many cells and platelets (blood disorder).
In which case does basophils increase?An increase in basophils in a case of acute myelomonocytic leukaemia associated with marrow eosinophilia and inversion of chromosome 16.
What diseases are associated with basophils?Additionally, basophils have been implicated in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases such as lupus nephritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and the modulation of immune responses to bacterial infections, as well as being a feature of myelogenous leukemias.
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