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Basophil Percentage

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All NiaHealth tests are processed in Canadian-certified labs, which are highly trusted by the medical community for their accuracy and reliability. Blood and urine samples are collected by licensed medical professionals and processed using state-of-the-art equipment. NiaHealth is SOC2 Type 2 certified.

What is it?

Basophil percentage shows what portion of your white blood cells are basophils. These are the rarest white blood cell in circulation. They release histamine and other chemicals during allergic reactions and work closely with mast cells, which do a similar job in body tissues. In healthy people, basophils make up so little of the total white blood cell count that a reading of 0% is completely normal.

Why it matters

Because basophils are normally so rare, even a small rise in their numbers can show up as a noticeable change in percentage. Basophils can rise modestly in allergic conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, and thyroid disorders, but these elevations are usually mild and temporary. One of the more rare but important conditions to be aware of: a persistently elevated basophil percentage, even above 1%, warrants a closer look. The most important condition to rule out is a group of blood disorders called myeloproliferative neoplasms, particularly chronic myelogenous leukemia, where basophilia is a characteristic finding.

Reference ranges

This information is educational and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your results should be interpreted with a qualified healthcare professional in the context of your health history.