Absolute Eosinophil Count Test
What is the absolute eosinophil count?
Absolute eosinophil count (AEC) is a type of blood test that measures the number of eosinophil cells present in a sample of blood. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cells that are involved in the body's immune response to parasites and allergies.
An elevated AEC may indicate an allergic reaction, a parasitic infection, or certain cancers. A low AEC may indicate certain types of infections or bone marrow disorders. The test is typically ordered by a healthcare provider when a patient is experiencing symptoms that may be related to an allergic reaction or parasitic infection.
What are the uses of the absolute eosinophil count test?
The absolute eosinophil count (AEC) test is primarily used to help diagnose and monitor certain medical conditions, including:
Allergies
An elevated AEC can be a sign of allergic reactions, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.
Parasitic infections
A high AEC can indicate a parasitic infection, such as intestinal worms or schistosomiasis.
Autoimmune diseases
Some autoimmune diseases, such as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), can cause an increase in eosinophils in the blood.
Drug reactions
Some medications can cause an increase in eosinophil count as an adverse reaction.
Blood disorders
Certain types of blood cancers, such as chronic eosinophilic leukemia, can cause an increase in eosinophil count.
Monitoring treatments
AEC can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for the above conditions, as well as other conditions where eosinophil count is relevant.p>
Overall, the AEC test is a useful tool in diagnosing and managing conditions related to eosinophil count and can help healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment options for their patients.
What happens in an absolute eosinophil count test?
During an absolute eosinophil count (AEC) test, a sample of blood is collected from a vein in the arm using a needle. The blood sample is taken to a lab for analysis.
In the laboratory, the blood sample is analyzed using an automated machine called a hematology analyzer, which counts the number of eosinophil cells present in the blood. The results of the AEC test are typically reported in cells per microliter (μL) of blood.
Understanding absolute eosinophil count test results
The results of an absolute eosinophil count (AEC) test are reported as the number of eosinophil cells per microliter (μL) of blood. Normal AEC ranges can vary slightly depending on the laboratory that does the test but generally falls within the following ranges:
- Adults: 30 to 350 cells/μL
- Children: 50 to 500 cells/μL
An elevated AEC may indicate an allergic reaction, a parasitic infection, or certain cancers. The severity of the elevation may provide additional information on the severity of the condition.
A low AEC may indicate certain types of infections or bone marrow disorders. As with an elevated AEC, the severity of the decrease may provide additional information on the severity of the condition.
A healthcare provider should do the interpretation of AEC test results, as results must be considered in the context of the patient's medical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic tests.