Basophilsbldauto
A basophil count is a blood test that measures the number of basophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood using automated laboratory equipment.
{"Basophils are white blood cells that play a role in allergic reactions and immune responses","This test is usually part of a complete blood count (CBC) panel","Abnormal levels may indicate allergies, infections, or certain blood disorders"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 704-7
- Short code
- BASOA
- Synonyms
- Basophils # Bld Auto
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA K2 or K3) vacuum blood collection tube; also acceptable: sodium citrate or heparin tubes depending on instrument validated specimen type.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.01
- Ref high
- 0.08
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- automated-count
- CPT
- 85048
- SNOMED
- 26079004
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1 mL whole blood in EDTA tube (tube fill volume according to manufacturer specification, typically 3 mL or 4 mL draw).
- Stability
- Stable for 8–24 hours at room temperature (18–25°C) when analyzed by automated counters; optimal analysis within 4 hours of collection. Refrigerated (2–8°C) storage up to 48 hours may be acceptable on certain platforms but is not preferred for differential counts due to cell morphology changes.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 500
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A basophil count is a laboratory test that measures the number of basophils in your blood. Basophils are the least common type of white blood cell, making up less than 1% of all white blood cells. This test is performed using automated hematology analyzers that can quickly and accurately count different types of blood cells.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using automated cell counting equipment. The results are typically available within a day.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required for this test. You may continue to eat and drink normally unless your healthcare provider instructs otherwise. Be sure to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some drugs may affect test results.
Reference range
Adults: 0.01–0.08 x10^9/L (10–80 cells/µL or 0.5–1% of total leukocytes). Pediatric ranges may vary slightly by age; consult laboratory-specific reference interval.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Specimen should ideally be collected when the patient is in a rested, steady-state condition, as exercise and acute stress may transiently affect basophil counts.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is the basophil count test painful?
What do high basophil levels mean?
What do low basophil levels mean?
Will I need other tests with this one?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy