Included with every panel
Baseline labs come free with any panel you build.
Blood & iron
Basophils test
The percentage of basophils, the rarest white cell, which release histamine in allergic and inflammatory reactions. Included with every panel.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Check before your draw
This marker has no preparation tag, but it can still need preparation. Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Basophils are the rarest white blood cells. They release histamine, the chemical behind the itching and swelling of allergic reactions, and this shows their share of your white cells.
Why it matters for women
There’s no separate range for women. Basophils can rise with allergies or long-lasting inflammation and, rarely, with a bone marrow condition. Small shifts can be common and may not be a concern on their own.
You might check it if…
- you deal with allergies or allergic reactions often
- you live with an ongoing inflammatory condition
- a past blood count showed unusual white cells
- you’re getting a routine blood count as part of a checkup
What your result may mean
High Basophils: what it may mean
High basophils can accompany allergies, long-lasting inflammation or, rarely, blood disorders such as chronic myeloid leukemia. This result is a share of your white cells, so it can look high when other cells fall, and the absolute basophil count may give a clearer picture. Small shifts can be common and may not matter on their own, and there may be no separate range for women. Some people may notice itching, hives or other allergy symptoms, while others may notice nothing.
Low Basophils: what it may mean
Low basophils may occur with a sudden infection, stress or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Because basophils make up such a tiny share of white cells, this percentage can read near zero in healthy people. The share can also drop if another type of white cell rises, as can happen during an infection. Steroid medicines can lower it too. A low percentage may not cause symptoms by itself, and there may be no need to follow it up unless other results are off.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.