Basophilsareaprthpf
This test counts basophils (a type of white blood cell) in fluid collected from the abdominal cavity to help diagnose infections, inflammation, or other conditions.
{"Basophils are white blood cells that help fight infection and regulate immune responses","The test examines fluid from the abdominal cavity (peritoneal fluid)","Elevated basophils may indicate infection, inflammation, allergy, or rarely, cancer","The procedure is performed during a paracentesis (abdominal fluid drainage)","Results help doctors determine the cause of abdominal fluid buildup"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34579-3
- Short code
- BASO-PF
- Synonyms
- Basophils #/area Prt HPF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container (e.g., sterile urine specimen container or vacuum tube without anticoagulant); EDTA tube acceptable for cell counts.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- microscopy-light-hpf
- CPT
- 89051
- SNOMED
- 44474009
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL of peritoneal fluid
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; For delayed analysis, prepare cytospin slides within 1 hour of collection.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test counts the number of basophils in peritoneal fluid (abdominal fluid). Basophils are a type of white blood cell that play an important role in your body's immune system. They help fight infections and are involved in allergic reactions and inflammation. The test is performed by examining the fluid under a microscope after it is collected from your abdominal cavity through a procedure called paracentesis.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare provider will insert a thin needle into your abdominal cavity to collect fluid (paracentesis). The fluid sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is examined under a microscope to count the basophils. You may feel some discomfort or pressure during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated.
What do the results mean?
Normal peritoneal fluid typically has few or no basophils. An elevated basophil count in the abdominal fluid may indicate: bacterial or parasitic infection, inflammatory conditions such as peritonitis, allergic reactions, or in rare cases, certain cancers. Your doctor will interpret these results along with other tests and your symptoms to make a diagnosis.
Reference range
Basophils are typically absent or rarely seen in peritoneal fluid; normal peritoneal fluid contains very few basophils (0-1 per HPF when present).N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be prepared for paracentesis (abdominal fluid collection) procedure as per institutional protocol. Informed consent must be obtained prior to invasive specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test?
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Are there any risks?
Sources
- 1
- 2May Clinic - AscitesSource
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy