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Basophils are important cells for the immune system, and are usually increased in cases of allergy or prolonged inflammation such as asthma, rhinitis or hives for example. Basophils have in their structure numerous granules, which, in situations of inflammation or allergy, for example, release heparin and histamine to combat the problem.
These cells are formed in the bone marrow and are a type of white blood cell, and their levels can be assessed by means of a white blood cell test, which is one of the constituents of the blood count and which provides information about white blood cells. See how to interpret the WBC.
Basophils are present in the blood in very small concentrations, with normal basophil reference values between 0 - 2% or 0 - 200 / mm3 in both men and women.
Basophil reference values
The normal values of basophils in the blood are indicated according to the total amount of leukocytes in the blood, representing about 0 to 2% of the total leukocytes.
The following table indicates the reference values for lymphocytes in adult men and women, of which basophils are part:
Parameters | Reference values |
Leukocytes | 4500 - 11000 / mm³ |
Neutrophils | 40 to 80% |
Eosinophils | 0 to 5% |
Basophils | 0 to 2% |
Lymphocytes | 20 to 50% |
Monocytes | 0 to 12% |
The reference values for basophils do not vary between adult men and women, however it can vary according to the laboratory in which the blood test is performed and, therefore, the test result must always be seen by the doctor.
If you have any doubts about the result of your blood count, put your results in the following calculator:
What can be tall basophils
The increase in the amount of basophils, also called basophilia, usually happens when there is some inflammation in the body, and is usually accompanied by other changes in the leukogram. Thus, some of the situations in which basophils may increase are:
- Ulcerative colitis, which is inflammation of the intestine;
- Asthma, which is the chronic inflammation of the lungs where the person has difficulty breathing;
- Sinusitis and rhinitis, which corresponds to inflammation of the sinuses, which are found in the airways, usually associated with infections;
- Arthritis, which is inflammation of the body's joints and causes pain;
- Chronic renal failure, especially in cases of kidney malfunction, such as nephrosis;
- Hemolytic anemia, which is a situation in which red blood cells are destroyed, compromising the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the body;
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, which corresponds to a type of cancer in which there is dysregulation in the production of cells by the bone marrow due to a mutation;
- After chemotherapy or removing the spleen.
Thus, if basophilia is noted, it is important to show the result to the doctor who ordered the test so that the blood count can be analyzed completely and, thus, it can be indicated to perform other complementary tests to identify the cause of basophilia and start the more appropriate treatment if you need it. See more about what tall basophils can be.
What may indicate low basophils
Basopenia, which is when basophils are low, is an uncommon situation that can occur due to decreased production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, being possible to identify only 20 cells per liter of blood.
The main causes of basopenia are ingestion of drugs that weaken the immune system, such as corticosteroids, ovulation, pregnancy, period of stress, hyperthyroidism and Cushing's syndrome.