Basophilsnfrdfbldmanual
A manual blood test that measures the percentage of basophils (a type of white blood cell) in your total white blood cell count.
{"Basophils are white blood cells that play a role in allergic reactions and immune responses","This test counts basophils as a percentage of total white blood cells using a microscope","Results help diagnose allergies, infections, and blood disorders","No special preparation is needed before the test","Results are interpreted along with other blood tests for a complete picture"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 71675-3
- Short code
- BASOPCT
- Synonyms
- Basophils NFr.DF Bld Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA K2 or K3) anticoagulant tube for whole blood collection; alternatively, heparinized green-top tube is acceptable.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.02
- Ref high
- 0.1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- manual-count
- CPT
- 85007
- SNOMED
- 301007003
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL of whole blood in EDTA tube; minimum 1 mL for pediatric or microtainer samples.
- Stability
- Specimen is stable for up to 4 hours at room temperature (20-25°C); up to 24 hours when refrigerated at 2-8°C. Best results are obtained when smear preparation occurs within 2 hours of collection.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Basophil Count is a manual blood test that measures the percentage of basophils in your total white blood cell (leukocyte) count. Basophils are a type of white blood cell that play an important role in your immune system. They help fight infections and are particularly involved in allergic reactions and inflammatory responses. This test uses a manual method where a lab technician examines a blood sample under a microscope to count and calculate the percentage of basophils.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order a basophil count to help diagnose and monitor several conditions, including: allergic reactions and disorders (such as allergies, asthma, or anaphylaxis), parasitic infections, certain types of leukemia or other blood disorders, inflammatory conditions, and thyroid problems. The test is often part of a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, which examines all types of white blood cells.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood is then placed on a glass slide and stained to allow the cells to be seen clearly under a microscope. A lab technician manually counts the different types of white blood cells, including basophils, and calculates the percentage of basophils relative to the total white blood cell count. The procedure is quick and typically takes only a few minutes.
How to prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before the test. However, it is important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some drugs can affect white blood cell counts. Also, tell your doctor if you have any bleeding disorders or if you are allergic to latex or antiseptic solutions used during blood draws.
Reference range
Adults: 0.5-1% of total leukocytes; Absolute count: 0.02-0.10 x 10^9/L (20-100 cells/µL). Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. Fasting is not necessary. Recent medications (e.g., corticosteroids, antihistamines) and recent allergic reactions should be noted as they may affect basophil counts.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
What is the normal basophil percentage?
Does this test require fasting?
How long does it take to get results?
Can medications affect my basophil count?
Is a manual count more accurate than an automated one?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy