Eosinophil Count - Absolute
Alternate Names : Absolute Eosinophil Count, Eosinophils
DefinitionThis is a test to measure the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood. (See also blood differential.)
Why is the Test Performed?
Eosinophils are white blood cells active in allergic diseases, parasitic infections, and other disorders. An eosinophil count may be ordered if the blood differential is abnormal, or if there is suspicion of specific diseases.
The eosinophil count may help your doctor:
- Detect an allergic reaction and assess its severity
- Detect a parasitic infection
- Evaluate Hodgkin's disease
- Assess sensitivity to drugs (particularly some anticoagulants)
- Confirm acute hypereosinophilic syndrome (rare but sometimes fatal leukemia-like condition)
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