Eosinophil count (qualitative manual cell differential)
This test evaluates the presence and proportion of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood using a manual microscopic examination of your blood sample.
["Eosinophils help identify certain immune responses or conditions affecting your blood or organs."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32013-5
- Short code
- Eosinophil NFr Pcar Manual
- Synonyms
- Eosinophil NFr Pcar Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- manual-count
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test to check for conditions like allergies, parasitic infections, asthma, or certain types of cancer (e.g., lymphoma). It can also help monitor treatment responses or diagnose conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis or eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. The blood sample is then examined under a microscope to count eosinophils. Results are qualitative (yes/no presence) rather than a specific number.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means eosinophils are present in your blood. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, infection, or inflammatory condition. A negative result means eosinophils are not detected in this sample.
Common Conditions Linked to Eosinophil Findings
High eosinophil counts can be linked to allergic reactions, parasitic infections, certain lung diseases (e.g., asthma), or autoimmune disorders. Low or absent eosinophils may suggest immune suppression or other blood disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Eosinophils play a key role in defending against parasites and regulating allergic responses. Their presence can signal chronic inflammation or immune activation, guiding treatment decisions for conditions like eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases or eosinophilic lung diseases. This test helps differentiate between acute and chronic immune responses without relying on numeric thresholds.
Short name
Eosinophil count (qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive eosinophil count mean?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
How long will I wait for results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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