Eosinophilia is generally diagnosed when a complete blood count (CBC) reveals an elevated number of eosinophils. Because a CBC is often performed for other medical reasons, eosinophilia is frequently discovered incidentally.
Diagnostic Process
The diagnostic process for eosinophilia typically involves several steps:
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Complete Blood Count (CBC):
- Eosinophilia is usually first suspected when a CBC shows a higher-than-normal eosinophil count.
- A normal eosinophil count is generally considered to be less than 500 eosinophils per microliter of blood.
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Additional Testing:
- Stool Ova and Parasite Testing: According to the reference material, this test is often conducted to check for parasitic infections, a common cause of eosinophilia (1).
- Tests to Detect Organ Damage: Depending on clinical findings, tests may be performed to evaluate whether eosinophilia has caused any damage to organs.
- Tests for Specific Causes: Further investigations might target specific conditions or diseases that could be causing the elevated eosinophil count, based on the patient's symptoms and medical history.
In summary, while a CBC initially detects eosinophilia, further testing is essential to identify the underlying cause and any related organ damage.
