Eosinophil count in hair wash fluid (mass concentration)

What Is Eosinophil Hair Wash Count Used For?

Eosinophil hair wash testing can help diagnose or monitor conditions such as allergic reactions, certain skin diseases (e.g., dermatitis), or conditions affecting the scalp, like fungal infections or inflammatory processes. It may also be used in research or specialized clinical scenarios where eosinophil presence in hair fluid is relevant.

How Is This Test Performed?

A small sample of fluid is collected from your hair using a gentle wash process. This fluid is then analyzed in a lab to count eosinophils, which are white blood cells that can indicate inflammation or allergic responses in the skin or scalp.

What Does a Result Mean?

Results are typically reported as a count of eosinophils per unit volume of hair wash fluid. Elevated levels may suggest conditions like allergic reactions, certain skin infections, or inflammatory processes. Lower or normal levels may indicate no significant abnormality unless other clinical factors are considered.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test may be used to monitor conditions such as atopic dermatitis, fungal scalp infections, or other eosinophil-associated skin disorders. It’s not a routine blood test but may be ordered in specialized cases.