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Absolute Eosinophil Count To Check For A Disease

An absolute eosinophils count is a kind of blood test specially performed to chart the number of white blood cells called eosinophils present in the body as these eosinophils charge up in case a person suffers from an allergic disease, an infection or any other medical condition. The test can also be done to monitor the ongoing treatment against parasites.

Low Number of Eosinophils

A low count of eosinophils in the blood is likely to happen if a person is suffering from Cushing syndrome, bloodstream infection or treatment with corticosteroids. Though a low number does not signify that the individual surely has a disease as the other parts of the immune system, compensate adequately.

High Number of Eosinophils

Some of the common causes of increased count are as follows:-   

Allergic disorder   

Particular type of cancer, or   

Parasitic infections.

In case the count is only slightly elevated, people do not show any symptoms, and the high count is detected only when a complete blood count is done for some other purpose. However, if the count is very high, the increased number of eosinophils can inflame the tissues and even cause organ damage. The heart, skin, lungs and the nervous system are the most commonly affected parts.

Prepare for the Test

No particular preparation is required for an absolute eosinophils test. However, certain medications must not be taken before the test as they can affect the test results. Medicines which should be avoided are as follows:   

Appetite suppressors (Amphetamines)   

Certain kind of laxative consisting psyllium   

Interferon   

Tranquilizers   

Certain type of antibiotics.

Normal Results

Any count between 50 to 400 cells per microliter (cell/mcL) is considered to be a normal result. On the other hand, if the count is higher than the specified upper value, can be associated with the following diseases:   

Asthma   

Autoimmune diseases   

Hay fever   

Leukemia   

Eczema

In case the count is less than the specified lower value, it may be due to   

Alcohol intoxication   

Over production of certain kind of steroids in the body.

How the Test will Feel?

Being a kind of blood test, an Absolute Eosinophils Count test is easy to perform. The patient will feel a little uneasiness only when the needle is inserted in one of the veins for drawing blood. Post that, there might just be a bruise at the point of prick which disappears after a short while. The test is safe to perform and does not pose any such health risks.

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