Eosinophil Count (Peripheral Blood)
This test measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood. Eosinophils help fight infections caused by parasites and play a role in allergic reactions.
["Eosinophils help your body defend against certain infections and allergies, and this test helps doctors track their levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14326-3
- Short code
- Eosinophil NFr Stl Manual
- Synonyms
- Eosinophil NFr Stl Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Clean container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- manual-count
- Specimen volume
- 5 g
- Stability
- Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like persistent coughing, wheezing, skin rashes, or unexplained weight loss. It could also be used to monitor conditions such as allergies, asthma, parasitic infections, or certain types of cancer.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. Rest assured, the blood is collected in a small tube.
What the Results Mean
Eosinophil counts can vary widely depending on your health and current conditions. High levels may indicate allergies, asthma, infections, or other inflammatory or parasitic conditions. Low levels might suggest certain immune disorders or infections.
Common Conditions Affecting Eosinophil Levels
Elevated eosinophil counts are often linked to allergic reactions, asthma, parasitic infections, certain cancers (like Hodgkin lymphoma), or autoimmune diseases. Low eosinophil counts may be associated with infections like tuberculosis or certain immune deficiencies.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Eosinophil counts are important for diagnosing and managing conditions that involve chronic inflammation, allergic responses, or parasitic infections. They can also help guide treatment decisions, such as adjusting medication for allergies or infections.
Short name
Eosinophil Count
Frequently asked questions
How often should I expect this test?
What are typical reference ranges?
Can diet or medications affect eosinophil levels?
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