Basophilsnfrmarmanual
A laboratory test that manually counts basophil cells in a bone marrow sample to evaluate blood cell production.
{"Basophils are a type of white blood cell made in bone marrow","This test helps diagnose blood and bone marrow disorders","A small sample of bone marrow is collected and examined under a microscope","Results help doctors evaluate conditions like leukemia and allergic reactions","The test is performed by specially trained laboratory technicians"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 11105-4
- Short code
- BMBAS
- Synonyms
- Basophils NFr Mar Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Bone marrow aspirate collected in EDTA (purple-top) anticoagulant tube; sterile heparinized syringe for direct smear preparation
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.5
- Critical range
- — – 2 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- manual-count
- CPT
- 85097
- SNOMED
- 303769003
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-2 mL of bone marrow aspirate (first-pull preferred to avoid peripheral blood dilution)
- Stability
- Smears should be prepared within 1 hour of collection; stained slides stable indefinitely if properly fixed; EDTA bone marrow specimen stable at room temperature for up to 2 hours
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Basophils in Bone Marrow by Manual Count test measures the number of basophil cells in a bone marrow sample. Basophils are a type of white blood cell (granulocyte) that play an important role in the immune system, particularly in allergic reactions and inflammation. This test is performed by examining a bone marrow sample under a microscope, where a technician manually counts the basophil cells present.
How is the sample collected?
A small sample of bone marrow is typically collected from the hip bone (iliac crest) or breast bone (sternum) through a procedure called bone marrow aspiration or biopsy. The area is numbed with local anesthesia, and a special needle is used to draw out a small amount of liquid bone marrow. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a blood disorder, such as unexplained anemia, unusual bleeding or bruising, recurrent infections, or abnormal results from a complete blood count (CBC). It is also used to diagnose and monitor conditions like leukemia, myeloproliferative disorders, and certain allergic or inflammatory conditions.
Reference range
Basophils typically constitute less than 0.5% of nucleated bone marrow cells; absolute basophil percentage and morphology evaluated in context of overall marrow cellularityN/A
No special patient preparation required for bone marrow aspiration site; inform patient of procedure risks including bleeding and discomfort at aspiration site
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Is the bone marrow procedure painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Are there any risks with bone marrow sampling?
What do abnormal results mean?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy