Basophilsnfrnose
This test examines basophils and white blood cells in nasal secretions to help diagnose allergic rhinitis and other nasal conditions.
{"Collects cells from the nasal passage using a swab or wash","Helps identify allergic vs non-allergic rhinitis","Elevated basophils suggest allergic inflammation","Guides treatment decisions for nasal symptoms","Part of allergy and ENT evaluation"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13595-4
- Short code
- NASOBASO
- Synonyms
- Basophils NFr Nose
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile container or glass slide with fixative for nasal smear; sterile saline for washings
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Microscopic examination of nasal smear with Wright-Giemsa or similar differential stain; manual cell differential count
- CPT
- 89190 (nasal smear cytology); 85007 (manual differential if applicable)
- SNOMED
- 167926007 (nasal cytology); 442740003 (basophil count)
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-1 mL of nasal secretions or nasal wash fluid; or adequate smear material on glass slide
- Stability
- Smear slides: stable for 24-48 hours at room temperature with proper fixation. Wash specimens: process within 2 hours of collection; refrigerate at 2-8°C if delayed beyond 2 hours (stable up to 24 hours).
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Nasal Basophil and Leukocyte test analyzes cells collected from your nasal passages. It counts basophils and other white blood cells (leukocytes) in nasal secretions to help doctors understand what's causing your nasal symptoms, such as congestion, runny nose, or sneezing.
How is the sample collected?
Your healthcare provider will collect nasal secretions using one of these methods: a gentle swab of the nasal passage, a nasal wash or rinse, or a small brush to collect cells. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis under a microscope to identify and count different cell types.
What do the results mean?
Results show the types and numbers of cells found in your nasal secretions. High levels of basophils and eosinophils typically indicate allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Normal or low levels may suggest non-allergic causes like infections or irritant-induced rhinitis. Your doctor will interpret results alongside your symptoms and other test findings.
Reference range
Rare or absent basophils in normal nasal secretions; basophils typically not reported as a standard differential parameter in nasal cytology. Leukocyte presence reported qualitatively (none, few, moderate, many) or semi-quantitatively per low-power field.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should avoid intranasal medications, saline sprays, or nasal irrigation for at least 1-2 hours prior to specimen collection. Avoid blowing nose vigorously immediately before sampling.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test helps differentiate between allergic and non-allergic causes of nasal symptoms. Elevated basophils and eosinophils in nasal secretions strongly suggest an allergic component, guiding treatment with antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids. It is particularly useful when skin or blood allergy tests are inconclusive, or to assess the local allergic inflammation directly in the nose.
Frequently asked questions
Does this test hurt?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
How long does it take to get results?
Can this test diagnose specific allergies?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy