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What is BASO (Basophil-Absolute / Percentage) in Blood Test? What is High and Low BASO (Basophil) Value? Causes & Treatment?

Updated: Jun 18, 2024

  • BASO (Basophil) in blood test is a test that measures the number of basophil cells in your blood.

  • Basophils are one of 5 types of white blood cells. They are produced in the bone marrow but are found in many tissues in the body.

  • Basophils are less than 1 percent of all white blood cells.

  • Basophils (BASO) work with the immune system to protect the body against allergens, pathogens and parasites.

  • Basophils are known to direct the body's response to allergens, they are the reason why we experience sneezing, coughing and runny nose when we encounter an allergen.

BASO (Basophil) in blood test is a test that measures the number of basophil cells in your blood.   Basophils are one of 5 types of white blood cells. They are produced in the bone marrow but are found in many tissues in the body.   Basophils are less than 1 percent of all white blood cells.   Basophils (BASO) work with the immune system to protect the body against allergens, pathogens and parasites.   Basophils are known to direct the body's response to allergens, they are the reason why we experience sneezing, coughing and runny nose when we encounter an allergen.  The normal value of BASO (Basophil) in a healthy adult is 0 to 300 per microliter. High BASO (Basophil) is a value above the upper reference value in a blood test. This means a basophil count of more than 300.   High basophilia count is called basophilia.   If the basophil (BASO) value is high in a blood test, it means that the body is producing too many basophils in response to inflammation, allergies, autoimmune diseases, hypothyroidism, and diseases such as chronic myeloid leukemia.  If the BASO value is low in the blood test, it means that the body cannot produce enough Basophil. This condition is called Basopenia.   In this case, the immune system will be weak and the body will become more vulnerable to allergens and pathogens. Various factors can cause basopenia.
What is BASO (Basophil-Absolute / Percentage) in Blood Test? What is High and Low BASO (Basophil) Value? Causes & Treatment?

What is A Normal BASO (Basophil) Value in Blood Test ?

  • The normal value of BASO (Basophil) in a healthy adult is 0 to 300 per microliter. Reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.

  • If the BASO (Basophil) value is outside the reference values, it indicates a weakened immune system or exposure to allergenic substances.

  • In addition, a basophil value outside normal values may not always indicate a serious medical condition.


What is High BASO (Basophil) Value in Blood Test?

  • High BASO (Basophil) is a value above the upper reference value in a blood test. This means a basophil count of more than 300.

  • High basophilia count is called basophilia.

  • If the basophil (BASO) value is high in a blood test, it means that the body is producing too many basophils in response to inflammation, allergies, autoimmune diseases, hypothyroidism, and diseases such as chronic myeloid leukemia.


What Causes High BASO (Basophil)  in Blood Test?

These conditions may cause a high basophil count:

  • Infections

  • Allergy

  • Chronic inflammation

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Bone marrow diseases

High BASO (Basophil) Symptoms

  • Allergic reactions

  • Itching

  • Sneezing and runny nose

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Shortness of breath

  • Night sweats

  • Cough

These are common symptoms. Symptoms related to the underlying disease may also be observed.


How to Treat High BASO (Basophil) Level?

  • For the treatment of high BASO, the underlying health problems that cause high BASO should first be investigated. For example, in cases of basophilia caused by allergic diseases, antihistamine or corticosteroid treatments may help normalize the values.

  • In cases of high BASO thought to be caused by infection, the type of infection and the region where it develops need to be determined. Once the causative agent of infection is identified, BASO levels can be reduced to normal ranges with the use of antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal or antiparasitic drugs.


What is Low BASO (Basophil) in Blood Test?

  • If the BASO value is low in the blood test, it means that the body cannot produce enough Basophil. This condition is called Basopenia.

  • In this case, the immune system will be weak and the body will become more vulnerable to allergens and pathogens. Various factors can cause basopenia.


What Causes Low BASO (Basophil) in Blood Test?

Some possible factors that cause low BASO (Basophil) include:

  • Acute infections

  • Severe allergies

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Certain Medications and Treatments


Low BASO (Basophil) Symptoms

Basophil levels outside the normal range do not cause specific symptoms. Since the abnormality in the basophil count is caused by the underlying cause, its symptoms are related to this condition.


How to Treat Low BASO (Basophil) Level?

To treat low BASO, the underlying cause must first be identified. Your doctor may request additional tests for this. After making the diagnosis, your doctor will apply the treatment protocol. You can also improve your immune system by avoiding smoking and alcohol and eating healthy.

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