Skip to content

Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What It Is, How It Is Done, and Why It Matters for Your Health

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A test that measures basophils (a type of white blood cell) in a newborn's umbilical cord blood to assess immune health.

Quick summary

{"Basophils are white blood cells that help defend against infections and play a role in allergic reactions","Cord blood basophil testing is part of newborn health screening","Results help doctors understand your baby's immune system function","Abnormal results may require follow-up testing","The test is performed shortly after birth using blood from the umbilical cord"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
74407-8
Short code
Basophils NFr BldCo
Synonyms
Basophils NFr BldCo
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test, and what information does it give my doctor about my overall health?

The Cord Blood Basophil Count test measures the number of basophils in your baby's umbilical cord blood. Basophils are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) that play an important role in your baby's immune system. They help protect against infections and are involved in allergic responses and inflammation.

How is this test performed, and what can I expect during the procedure?

After your baby is born, a healthcare provider will collect blood from the umbilical cord before or shortly after the placenta is delivered. This cord blood is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed to determine the basophil count and percentage relative to other white blood cells. The procedure is painless for both mother and baby since it uses blood that would otherwise be discarded.

Why is this test important for diagnosing, monitoring, or managing my medical condition?

Measuring basophils in cord blood helps healthcare providers assess your newborn's immune system health. While basophils represent a small percentage of total white blood cells, they play crucial roles in defending against parasites, participating in allergic reactions, and releasing substances that help regulate inflammation and immune responses.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Cord blood basophil counts can provide valuable information about newborn immune function. Abnormally low basophil levels (basopenia) may be associated with certain infections, allergic reactions, or in rare cases, bone marrow disorders. Elevated basophil levels (basophilia) in newborns are less common but may indicate certain inflammatory conditions, infections, or in very rare cases, blood disorders. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results in the context of other test findings and your baby's overall health status.

Frequently asked questions

Is the cord blood basophil test safe for my baby?
Yes, this test is completely safe. The blood is collected from the umbilical cord after birth, which would normally be discarded. No blood is taken directly from your baby, so there is no pain or risk involved for your newborn.
What do normal basophil results look like?
Normal basophil counts in cord blood typically range from 0 to 1% of total white blood cells. However, reference ranges can vary slightly between laboratories. Your healthcare provider will explain what the specific results mean for your baby.
Will I need to wait for the results before going home?
In most cases, cord blood testing is part of routine newborn screening done in the hospital. Results are typically available within a few days and will be discussed with you during your hospital stay or at your first pediatric follow-up appointment.
What happens if my baby's basophil count is abnormal?
If the results are outside the normal range, your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing to determine the cause. This does not necessarily mean there is a serious problem – basophil counts can be influenced by many factors, and a single test result provides limited information. Your doctor will guide you through any necessary follow-up steps.
Can cord blood be stored after the test?
Some families choose to bank their baby's cord blood for potential future medical use. If you are interested in cord blood banking, discuss this with your healthcare provider before delivery, as special collection procedures are required.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - White Blood Cell CountSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests Online - Complete Blood CountSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic - Complete Blood Count (CBC)Source
  4. 4
    Stanford Medicine - Cord Blood BasicsSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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