Basophils and Mast Cells, Non-filtered Fluid — Cell Count
A laboratory cell count that measures basophils and mast cells in a collected body-fluid specimen.
["This test helps determine whether basophils and mast cells are increased in a fluid sample, which can occur with allergy or inflammation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 69910-8
- Short code
- Basophils/Masts NFr Fld
- Synonyms
- Basophils/Masts NFr Fld
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test counts basophils and mast cells, two related types of white blood cells, in a body-fluid specimen. The exact fluid depends on the sample submitted by your healthcare professional.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered as part of a fluid-cell differential to evaluate inflammation, allergy-related reactions, or an unexplained accumulation of fluid. Your clinician will interpret the result alongside the fluid source, symptoms, and other findings.
How is the test performed?
A laboratory professional examines the fluid under a microscope and classifies the cells present. Basophils and mast cells are identified by their characteristic appearance and reported as part of the fluid’s cell count and differential.
How do I prepare for the test?
Preparation depends on the type of fluid being tested and the collection method. Follow your clinician’s instructions, and tell the healthcare team if you have a bleeding disorder, take blood thinners, or have a known allergy to the collection materials.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An increased number of basophils or mast cells may occur with allergic conditions, inflammatory or immune-mediated processes, or tissue injury. The finding is not specific by itself and must be interpreted using the fluid type and the overall clinical picture.
Short name
Basophils and mast cells
Frequently asked questions
Does this test require a blood sample?
What does a high result mean?
Are basophils and mast cells the same thing?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy