Normal range: 0 – 200 cells/µL (higher is better)
Basophils are the rarest type of white blood cell, typically making up less than 1% of your total white cells. They release histamine and other chemicals during allergic reactions and play a role in inflammation. Because the count is so low at baseline, even small changes can look significant on a lab report. Elevated basophils are uncommon and worth investigating if persistent.
Abs. Basophils isn't sold on its own. It comes in a complete blood count (CBC), about $35. A fuller workup adds Vitamin D ($75), hs-CRP ($69), ApoB ($50), and ApoA1 ($50). You can test Abs. Basophils and 100 other biomarkers for $190 as part of an Empirical membership.
Empirical is FSA/HSA eligible, so you can pay with pre-tax dollars. Fast for 8-12 hours beforehand for the most accurate lipid and metabolic results, and expect results in days rather than weeks.
Basophils are the least common white blood cells that play a role in allergic reactions and inflammation.
Absolute Basophils stays relatively flat across adult ages (correlation with age, r = +0.05). Most of the spread in the chart below comes from differences between people rather than from age.
A normal Abs. Basophils is 0 – 200 cells/µL. Higher is better.
Elevated basophils (basophilia) are rare and can indicate allergic reactions, chronic myeloid leukemia, other myeloproliferative disorders, or hypothyroidism. Ulcerative colitis and chronic infection are less common causes.
Low basophils are difficult to detect because the baseline count is already very low. Acute stress, hyperthyroidism, and corticosteroid use can reduce them further.
There are no specific lifestyle changes that target basophil count. Managing underlying allergies or thyroid conditions is the most relevant intervention. If basophils are persistently elevated without an obvious cause, your doctor may evaluate for a myeloproliferative disorder.
Abs. Basophils is most highly correlated with Absolute Lymphocytes and White Blood Cell Count. Here are the top biomarkers correlated with Abs. Basophils, based on 500,000 tests done by Empirical Health.
The percentage shows how strongly two biomarkers move together. A higher number means the relationship is stronger. Green = rises and falls together. Orange = one rises as the other falls.
Abs. Basophils is drawn at 2,200+ Quest and BioReference patient service centers across the US, so there's usually one within a short drive. Browse the full directory to find the one closest to you.
Test your Absolute Basophils and 100+ other biomarkers in a single blood draw.
