An eosinophil count is a blood test that measures the number of eosinophils in your blood. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a role in the immune system, specifically in fighting off parasites and allergic reactions.
The test is typically part of a complete blood count (CBC), which measures various components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
A normal eosinophil count ranges from 30 to 350 cells per microliter of blood. A higher-than-normal eosinophil count, known as eosinophilia, can indicate various conditions, such as:
- Allergies: Eosinophils are involved in allergic reactions, so an increased count can occur in people with asthma, hay fever, or eczema.
- Parasite infections: Eosinophils help fight off parasitic infections.
- Certain cancers: Some types of cancer can cause an increase in eosinophil levels.
- Drug reactions: Some medications can trigger an increase in eosinophils.
A lower-than-normal eosinophil count can also be a sign of certain conditions. For example, low eosinophil levels can occur in people with stress, malnutrition, or certain autoimmune diseases.
The eosinophil count is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions. It can help doctors determine the cause of symptoms and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
